the health and Tottenham collision in an early London derby at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.
Both rivals are entering a high-profile competition after opening weekend wins, with Chelsea squeezing past Everton from Frank Lampard thanks to a Jorginho penalty and Spurs recovering from an early setback to take Southampton 4-1 on home soil.
Now they meet in a highly anticipated battle that will determine where each club stands at this stage with plenty of huge tests to come in 2022-23.
Chelsea have won nine of their last 11 encounters with Tottenham, including five in a row and three on the bounce in the span of just 18 days in January. Can Antonio Contea finally one over at his former club?
Here, Standard Sport’s chief football correspondent Dan Kilpatrick looks at three key issues likely to decide Sunday’s game…
Thomas Tuchel and Antonio Conte put their sights on the line as Chelsea face Tottenham in a London derby
/ Getty ImagesWide areas will be key
Antonio Conte faces his biggest selection dilemmas as a fullback. Ryan Sessegnon scored against Southampton, but Ivan Perisic has experience in the big game and may be a safer choice to face the raging Reece James.
On the other flank, Conte has to choose between Emerson Royal and Matt Doherty, while Thomas Tuchel will probably stay with Ben Chilwell. The individual fights could make a big contribution to determining the result.
Kulusevski v Koulibaly
Dejan Kulusevski quickly turns Spurs’ attacking top two into a thrilling three. He was the standout player against Saints, aiming for double figures for assists in his 20th league game on Sunday.
Kalidou Koulibaly was excellent on the debut against Everton on the left of a back three but faces an early test against Spurs and Kulusevski.
Dejan Kulusevski picked up where he left off last season for Spurs against Southampton
/ Action images via ReutersDead-ball approach
The set pieces were one of Spurs’ biggest weaknesses and one of Chelsea’s strengths last season. Conte has taken steps to address the issue, with the appointment of a permanent coach, but Spurs still conceded from a pre-season corner against Roma.
Tuchel was frustrated by his side’s attacking set pieces at Everton and will be looking to improve. In what will likely be a restrained game, it can be vital to have an edge here.