Chelsea and Tottenham meet at Accor Stadium on Saturday in the Sydney Super Cup, a London derby played on the other side of the world. Chelsea arrive off a wild 6-4 win over Western Sydney Wanderers, while Tottenham edged Sydney FC on penalties. Both sides are using the tournament to sharpen their preparations for 2026-27.
Xabi Alonso's first televised match as Chelsea boss produced a thrilling but chaotic contest. His attacking principles were visible, though the defensive frailties that troubled previous managers resurfaced repeatedly. That said, Chelsea started with a heavily youthful, second-string side, which offers important context.
Tottenham's pre-season under Roberto De Zerbi is progressing smoothly. The Europa League winners have yet to lose, keeping clean sheets against MK Dons and Auckland FC before overcoming Sydney FC on spot-kicks. They arrive further along in their preparation, which could prove significant.
Chelsea vs Tottenham: Key Stats
Chelsea have won their last 6 meetings with Tottenham
Chelsea beat Western Sydney 6-4 in their tournament opener
Tottenham are unbeaten in pre-season with wins over MK Dons, Auckland and Sydney FC
Joao Pedro scored a hat-trick off the bench against Western Sydney
Tottenham seek to end a six-match losing run against Chelsea
Photo Credit (Getty Images)
What to Expect
Alonso may introduce more first-team regulars after fielding several youth players against Western Sydney. Landon Emenalo impressed at left-back and could retain his place, alongside teenagers Reggie Watson, Reggie Walsh and Dastan Satpaev. Joao Pedro is pushing for a start after his match-altering hat-trick, potentially at the expense of Liam Delap.
Chelsea's attacking quality was evident in the ten-goal thriller, but the defensive lapses will concern Alonso. Solving those issues is the priority as pre-season progresses, and this fixture against stronger opposition offers a truer test.
Tottenham are further ahead physically and have looked organised. Andy Robertson could make his first start after featuring against Sydney FC, while summer signings Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes may start together again. Mathys Tel has been in fine form, with De Zerbi weighing Solanke against Richarlison to lead the line.
Predicted Lineups
Chelsea (4-2-3-1)
Sanchez; Acheampong, Fofana, Colwill, Emenalo; Watson, Essugo; Satpaev, Walsh, Gittens; Joao Pedro
Tottenham Hotspur (4-2-3-1)
Dubravka; Hall, Takai, Davies, Kyerematen; Fernandes, Tonali; Solomon, Gallagher, Tel; Solanke
Players to Watch
Joao Pedro - Was the difference against Western Sydney, scoring a hat-trick and setting up an equaliser after coming on. If he starts, he is Chelsea's most likely source of goals against a settled Tottenham defence.
Jamie Gittens - Continues to build fitness and impressed off the bench in the opener. His directness gives Chelsea a genuine threat in wide areas.
Mathys Tel - Has featured heavily this pre-season, assisting against Auckland and scoring against Sydney FC. His form has strengthened his case to start against the Blues.
Sandro Tonali - Anchors the Tottenham midfield after his big-money arrival and offers the control De Zerbi's system needs. His partnership with Fernandes will shape the contest.
Prediction
Prediction: Over 2.5 goals @ 1.50
Chelsea's opener produced ten goals, and while their youthful side contributed to the defensive chaos, the frailties are real. Tottenham have looked tighter but face a Chelsea attack featuring Joao Pedro and Gittens, who caused problems on Tuesday. Both sides carry attacking threat.
Tottenham's clean-sheet record and superior physical conditioning make them competitive, and they will be desperate to end their losing run against Chelsea. But friendlies of this nature, with both managers rotating and Chelsea attacking freely, tend to produce goals. An open contest with goals at both ends looks the most probable outcome.
