Chelsea host Tottenham at Stamford Bridge on October 24 in Regular Season - 8 of the Premier League. Matchday 8 is early enough for the table to remain fluid, but the standings already give the fixture a clear shape. Chelsea, managed by Xabi Alonso, sit fourth, while Tottenham, under R. De Zerbi, are 16th.

The most relevant factor is the contrast in recent league form. Chelsea have won their last two league matches, 2-0 away at Everton on October 17 and 5-1 at home against Bournemouth on October 10, scoring seven goals and conceding one. Tottenham won 3-1 at home against Coventry on October 19 after a 1-1 draw at Manchester United on October 10. Their league results since September 12 are a 0-0 draw, a 3-2 defeat to Aston Villa, a draw and a win. That is a side picking up points without yet building the consistency its position would call for.

Read our see the in-depth numbers for additional insight on this fixture.

Head-to-head history adds a twist. Chelsea have won seven of the last ten meetings listed, but Tottenham won the most recent one, 2-1 at Chelsea on August 1. Chelsea won the previous meeting by the same scoreline on May 19, so the two most recent games were both decided by a single goal.

On availability, neither side has any reported injuries. Both managers should have full squads, and both teams used a 4-2-3-1 in their last matches. Selection is a matter of choice rather than necessity, and the depth listed in each squad gives both benches options in attack and midfield.

Chelsea hold the stronger league position and form, and Tottenham arrive with a recent win and a recent head-to-head success to draw on.