Ange Postecoglou gives honest thoughts on Chelsea team after bad form in 2025 ahead of Tottenham clash

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Enzo Maresca and Ange Postecoglou will clash in the manager’s dugout when Chelsea host Tottenham.

Chelsea welcome London rivals Spurs to Stamford Bridge on Thursday night in the Premier League.

Earlier in the season, the Blues won the reverse fixture 4-3 away to Spurs. Incidentally, there have been plenty of goals in the recent meetings between the clubs.

Chelsea’s injury boost is that both Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer have been deemed fit to play against Spurs after their respective injury problems.

Enzo Maresca’s side desperately need three points as the race for Champions League qualification is hotting up. They’ve actually dropped down to sixth position in the Premier League table after the midweek results across the division.

• READ MORE: Chris Sutton and Paul Merson both agree on the result as they predict Chelsea vs Tottenham

Ange Postecoglou thinks Chelsea are having a positive season

Even though Chelsea have suffered a dip in form during 2025, Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou has been very positive about them ahead of Thursday’s league showdown.

When discussing upcoming opponents Chelsea, Postecoglou said via Football.London: “They’re a talented squad, good manager. I still think they’ve had a positive season in terms of what they’re trying to build. They’ve got some real talent in that attacking third.

“They obviously got hit by injuries as well and have had some key players missing which affects all clubs and that affected their consistency and results. As you said at their place, they’re tough to beat and it’ll be a good challenge for us.”

Chelsea’s bad form this calendar year means they’re in a very difficult race to qualify for the Champions League. In terms of cup competitions, they’re still in the quarter-finals of the Conference League but didn’t get far in either domestic cup.

Chelsea are happy with Maresca despite the team’s inconsistency in recent months. However, we feel like it’s a must-win fixture on Thursday evening.

Chelsea have enjoyed big wins over Spurs in the past, and it’ll feel massive for Maresca if his side earn three points in the upcoming meeting.

Chelsea’s home form is so crucial

Like Postecoglou mentions above, Chelsea’s home form has been a strength for them this season.

If the Blues are to secure Champions League qualification, it feels vital that they maximise their five remaining league games at Stamford Bridge. That needs to begin when they host Spurs this week.

Chelsea surely need a healthy points return from their home fixtures against Spurs, Ipswich Town, Everton, Liverpool and Manchester United. It could get pretty cagey around the Bridge if they’re chasing it going into the final weeks of the season.