It might not even be December yet, but the Premier League fixture list has thrown an absolute beauty of an early Christmas present our way this weekend.
London rivals Chelsea and Tottenham are both in superb form, with the pair suffering just one Premier League defeat each this season. This fixture has provided us with some truly memorable moments down the years, and this Sunday's clash between the league's first and third place teams promises to add to that back catalogue.
A win for Frank Lampard's side would massively boost their credentials as title contenders, and here we forecast the Blues starting XI ahead of this mammoth game.
1. Goalkeepers & Defenders
Edouard Mendy (GK) - His impact since arriving at Stamford Bridge can't be underestimated. Conceded just three in ten games and looks to have had a calming affect on the Chelsea backline.
Reece James (RB) - Looks to be settled as Chelsea's first choice right-back. Has the energy and quality to support attacks as well as being defensively sound.
Thiago Silva (CB) - Many doubted his ability to cut it in the fast-paced Premier League having recently turned 36, but he's well on his way to proving his doubters wrong. A matchup with Harry Kane will no doubt prove to be his stiffest challenge yet.
Kurt Zouma (CB) - Has showed promising signs of development this season when given a senior partner. Zouma's strength and pace could play a huge part in stifling the rapid Spurs frontline.
Ben Chilwell (LB) - Another summer arrival who has helped to solidify a leaky backline. His lung-busting runs down the Chelsea left have become a feature of their play and Spurs will need to be alert if they're to nullify the threat his deliveries can pose.
2. Midfielders
Mason Mount (CM) - Has come in for a lot of criticism this season at both club and international level, but there's a reason he's a mainstay in both the Chelsea and England starting XI. Adds a touch of class to the Blues midfield and was lauded in the week by Lampard as being one of the best pressing midfielders he'd played alongside or managed.
N'Golo Kante (CM) - Back to his best shielding the back four. Never really looked comfortable being asked to surge forward so nice to see breaking up play and keeping things ticking over.
Kai Havertz (CM) - Will no doubt be assessed prior to kick-off having spent two weeks isolating due to a positive coronavirus test, but if he's fit to play his inclusion could be huge for Chelsea. Has looked most settled as part of a midfield three and a matchup against Spurs' physical midfield could be where the game is won or lost.
3. Forwards
Hakim Ziyech (RW) - Looked to be slightly off the pace against Newcastle in Chelsea's last league outing so should be refreshed after only playing a cameo role in midweek. Has proven to have a wand of a left foot which can carve open Premier League defences at will.
Tammy Abraham (ST) - Many expected Tammy Abraham to be on the fringes of the first team this season following Chelsea's transfer splurge over the summer. However, with Timo Werner looking at his best on the left and Kai Havertz dropping into a midfield three, Abraham has been afforded the chance to stake his claim and he's doing a fine job of it.
Timo Werner (LW) - Took him a little while to settle but he's looking a brilliant acquisition. Absolutely lethal on the left of a front three and his pace will no doubt cause the Spurs defence a lot of problems.
Source : 90min