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If recent seasons are anything to go by, Tottenham and Chelsea's Premier League clash this Saturday will be a thrilling encounter. From the Battle of Stamford Bridge to Spurs' first league win at the home of their bitter rivals for 28 years back in April, this fixture has drawn an abundance of historic moments over the last few campaigns.

Although the coming edition may not seem quite so pivotal, it's nonetheless a London derby that will be intensely fought between two old foes. So, how will Saturday's encounter pan out?

This week's expert, former editor-in-chief of TheShedEnder George Blake who now operates as assistant editor for the TT, shares his thoughts and predictions ahead of the 5.30pm kickoff...

Team Head-to-Head - Tottenham vs Chelsea

Few anticipated Chelsea would ease into life under Maurizio Sarri so quickly and effectively, yet to lose in the Premier League this season despite completely changing their style of play from Antonio Conte's counter-attacking philosophy to the current gaffer's possession-based game-plan.

But Chelsea's refreshed approach doesn't quite suit everybody - despite starting all of Chelsea's 12 Premier League games so far this season, N'Golo Kante and Cesar Azpilicueta's shared influence has paled in comparison to recent seasons.

Do you feel they're struggling to adapt to Sarri's tactics?

"Most of our players have slotted in really well, but Azpilicueta is one that has, for some reason, struggled. It's tough to understand why, because he's played in every position in defence recently and he's always done well, yet whilst the right side is his more natural position he can't quite seem to reach the heights that he did under Conte.

"His issue is that Sarri is probably the first offensive manager that he's played under at Chelsea, and that combined with a new position this term has likely taken its toll. I'm convinced he'll come good - he always does.

"The narrative on Kante struggling isn't really one that I agree with. At the start of the season everyone was singing his praises, but a week later he was this big topic of debate. He's certainly no worse than he was last season, but the role that he's playing just doesn't showcase his talents quite as well. That said, he's still had a good year, and he'll have a big part to play."

Azpilicueta tackles Bernard

Regardless of whether they've produced their best form this season, both Kante and Azpilicueta are pretty much nailed on to start this weekend.

In fact, injuries permitting, very few areas of Chelsea's starting XI are up for debate at the moment in terms of team selection - the only real exceptions being the two slots in the front line alongside Eden Hazard. Alvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud continue to fight for the centre-forward slot, while it's very much a tossup between Willian and Pedro on the right-hand side.

Who would you start to complete Chelsea's front three?

"A lot was made of Alvaro Morata's miss for Spain earlier this week, but if you actually look at it, it wasn't as easy as everyone is making out. He probably should have scored, but it wasn't even close to what Fernando Torres used to do every week. Overall, Morata's had a really good month or so, and I think dropping him would send out the wrong message - even if Giroud's hold-up play and physicality may be well suited to this one. Pedro had a really strong start to the season, but Willian has been favoured more often than not by Sarri. I'd normally say Willian, but maybe Pedro will be given the nod, as he hasn't been away on international duty and will have been training all week."

[brid autoplay="true" video="334357" player="12034" title="Watch Fixture in Focus Tottenham v Chelsea"]

Tottenham, meanwhile, currently find themselves just one place behind Chelsea despite losing three games and in many ways, that's symptomatic of the Lilywhites' season so far. They've managed to keep up pace with the rest of the Premier League's top clubs without playing especially well or particularly impressing.

Even their biggest win of the season so far, a 3-0 victory at Old Trafford, owed more to Manchester United's shortcomings than their own quality. It's created a curious debate over whether Tottenham fans should be pleased their side is grinding out points even when playing poorly, or concerned that disappointing performances will eventually catch up them.

Does Tottenham's start make you more optimistic or nervous about Saturday's game?

"I think form all goes out the window when Chelsea and Tottenham face off. Who could forget the game a couple of years ago when we somehow pulled off a win despite suffering through our worst season in memory. That said, Tottenham players are always up for this one, and you've always got to expect a crunching tackle from Eric Dier that could injure Hazard. I think that Tottenham have looked pretty good this year, and that's without so many of their main men doing as well as we all know they can. If this is Tottenham at their worst, I'm a bit worried about them at their best."

Dele Alli Career Stats vs Chelsea

Games like Saturday's between two incredibly evenly matched teams, to the extent that they're practically neck-and-neck in the Premier League table, can often come down to one key battle or factor - whether that's counter-attack versus possession football, or how one team manages to contain the other's talismanic entity.

Where will this game be lost and won?

"A lot will depend on whether Chelsea's attack is up for it. Namely, Hazard and Morata could win the game on their own, but if Morata decides that he can't handle a little push in the back from Toby Alderweierld then we could be in a bit of trouble. It will also be interesting to see whether Tottenham choose to dial in on Jorginho. Everton did that in our last game and completely nullified him. If they're able to do that, we will struggle."

And finally, let's hear your score prediction...

"I'm not feeling too confident about this one, but as it could go either way, let's go for a 2-1 win. Maybe another double from Marcos Alonso?"