Predicted Chelsea lineup against Tottenham: Kante returns; Havertz in for Ziyech

N’Golo Kante is fit and ready to return while Kai Havertz is in line to replace Hakim Ziyech when Chelsea face off against Tottenham Hotspur.

Chelsea will be aiming to continue their unbeaten run in the 2021/22 season when they lock horns with London rivals Tottenham Hotspur away from home on Sunday evening in the Premier League.

Leading up to the game, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has been handed a major boost as midfield mainstay N’Golo Kante has recovered fully from his ankle issue and is available for the contest. However, Christian Pulisic remains sidelined for the contest, having returned from the international with an injury.

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“We have no fresh injury concerns. There is good news on Christian Pulisic and N’Golo Kante. Christian is in individual training and is trying to come back as fast as possible to join in with full training. He’s not in the squad this weekend, as the game comes too early for him, but he is working hard on his fitness. N’Golo is back. He’s back in full shape and ready to play on Sunday,” Tuchel said in his pre-match presser.

Chelsea are likely to make a few alterations to the side that started in the midweek 1-0 win over Zenit St Petersburg in the UEFA Champions League. No alterations are expected in goal, though, with Edouard Mendy the undisputed starter after his stellar start to the new season.

Captain Cesar Azpilicueta ought to keep hold of his place in the three-man defensive unit while Andreas Christensen is likely to keep Thiago Silva out of the lineup once again after an impressive performance in midweek. Antonio Rudiger, whose contract situation continues to be a concern for Chelsea, is a certainty to feature in defence as well.

Reece James missed the last Premier League game due to suspension but featured in the Champions League clash earlier this week and should once again start ahead of Callum Hudson-Odoi when Chelsea make the trip to Tottenham. At left wing-back, there is just no looking past the in-form Marcos Alonso, who ought to keep Ben Chilwell on the bench yet again.

The fit-again Kante should be reinstated to the starting XI given the importance of the clash. The French international ought to replace Mateo Kovacic from the lineup, while Jorginho should hold on to his place for the Blues against Tottenham. As for the two attacking midfield slots, Mason Mount is a certainty to feature but there is likely to be a change made with Kai Havertz coming in for Hakim Ziyech.

There is absolutely no looking past Romelu Lukaku in the centre-forward slot, with the Belgian international having scored four goals in four games since returning to Chelsea.

Chelsea Predicted XI: Mendy, Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger, James, Jorginho, Kante, Alonso, Mount, Havertz, Lukaku.