Chelsea are fully focused on signing Alex Scott from Bournemouth after his move fell through in the summer, with the 23-year-old England midfielder also on Liverpool's shortlist. (Florian Plettenberg), external
Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle have all scouted Club Brugge's Germany youth international Nicolo Tresoldi. (Teamtalk), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column
Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter at Cobham Training Centre
Image source, Getty ImagesChelsea manager Xabi Alonso says he will celebrate if the Blues score against his former club Liverpool in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.
The Spaniard, 44, is returning to Anfield for the first time since becoming Blues manager over the summer.
Asked how he will react if Chelsea score, Alonso said: "Of course, I will celebrate, for sure. With full respect because for sure, my warmth with Liverpool was there as a player.
"But now, I am in a different role, I need to support my team, I need to support my club, I fight for my club and if we score, I will celebrate with whole respect.
"That is the respect for my club and the respect for the opponent as well."
It is the third time Alonso has returned as a visiting manager, having done so in his previous roles at Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen across the last two seasons.
Alonso previously told BBC Sport that his move to Chelsea instead of Liverpool over the summer was "about timings".
Former Reds boss Arne Slot was still in the role before the decision was made for the Dutch head coach to be sacked and replaced by Andoni Iraola.
However, Alonso was believed to be on Liverpool's radar before Slot's appointment, after his sensational league and cup double in his first top-level managerial season at Bayer Leverkusen.
Asked about that time, he explained: "Well at that time I was at Leverkusen and I was aware of the situation but I decided to stay. That was my decision at the time."
Alonso also explained that striker Joao Pedro is probably out until after the international break in November.
Listen to live commentary of Liverpool v Chelsea on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds
Nat Hayward
BBC Sport journalist
Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Carabao Cup round of 16 game against Liverpool at Anfield (20:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Alonso confirmed Joao Pedro will miss Wednesday's game and faces "a few weeks" on the sidelines after missing Saturday's home defeat by Tottenham with a problem picked up in training: "He has an injury on his thigh and he is going to be out for a few weeks. Let's see how many, we don't want to predict on that."
How will the Blues cope without their top scorer?: "We will miss him but we have to be ready to deal with that and win games and be competitive with the players we have available. This is the situation. We have to be looking for solutions not for excuses. This is why you build a squad. For sure, some players are important but this can happen."
Alonso confirmed that summer arrival Emmanuel Emegha will be in the squad for the first time: "For sure it's important that we have him available because he has special qualities. He has been training for the last 10 days in a good way that gives him a strong base to build his fitness. Maybe tomorrow he has his chance to play."
Reflecting on the disappointing defeat by rivals Spurs, Alonso said: "We were not happy for sure with the result and performance. It was a big game and it could have been better. Now we have moved on and the focus is just on Liverpool."
On Cole Palmer, who was sent off for the first time in his career: "We spoke and for sure he knows the mistake he made. There are things you can avoid. I hope this is not going to be repeated. He is aware of that. He's in a good space. He is mature and he made a mistake."
Asked why Estevao and Danny Welbeck did not start and were not introduced until deep into the second half on Saturday, Alonso said: "I assessed all the possibilities we have, what we have prepared during the week, and the qualities the players have for each game. That was the case on Saturday and that will be the case tomorrow."
On 21-year-old goalkeeper Mike Penders, who scored an own goal against Spurs on his first Premier League start: "It's a challenge to deal with good performances and with mistakes. That is part of the job. What happened on Saturday, it is the past and a lesson for him and everyone. We fully support him for tomorrow."
Listen to live commentary of Liverpool v Chelsea on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds
Follow all of Tuesday's Carabao Cup news conferences and the rest of the day's football news
Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesChelsea manager Xabi Alonso is heading into a difficult week of matches, and defeat at home to Tottenham has raised the stakes ahead of Wednesday's trip to Liverpool.
The defeat was notable for a mistake by 21-year-old goalkeeper Mike Penders, which swung the game in Spurs' favour.
Meanwhile, Cole Palmer was sent off and is suspended for Wednesday night's Carabao Cup tie.
There was also the surprise absence of star striker Joao Pedro, with his fitness likely to be another topic at today's news conference (13:30 BST).
After the trip to Anfield, struggling Manchester United travel to Stamford Bridge for Saturday's early kick-off.
It is a challenging week for Alonso, who may face tougher questions today after Chelsea's two-game winning run since the international break had appeared to put them back on track.
Bournemouth owner Bill Foley has sanctioned another club record contract offer for England midfielder Alex Scott, 23, with Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham all monitoring developments. (Teamtalk), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column
We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Chelsea and Tottenham.
Here are some of your comments:
Chelsea fans
Alan: I'm sorry, but that was just about the worst match this season. The defence is a total mess with no leader. Colwill just seems to run round in circles. We really need to offload Palmer - he is a liability and doesn't deserve his place in the team. Rogers was outstanding again, but had no support. All in all, they just need to look in the mirror and ask themselves if they are up to the job. There's still a lot of work to be done.
Chris: Pathetic performance from Chelsea and a petulant performance from that child, Cole Palmer. Hopefully now he will play Estevao in his place while he serves his suspension. Time to get tough with the children Xabi!
Terry: Absolute disgrace from start to finish. Wrong team selection, complete lack of discipline and hopeless in front of goal. No pride in wearing the badge. I have been a supporter since the mid 1950s and this is one of the worst performances I have ever seen.
Colin: How does the team have a great performance one week then a disaster the next like two different sides? There was no passion, they gave away too much and it was hard to watch. Penders did well until that mistake but that's what he will be remembered for. Palmer let the side down. Overall the whole team should be embarrassed. They must do better as a team if they want to be considered a title contender at some point. We pay good money to see a very poor performance like that.
Tottenham fans
Peter: I was at the game and it was quickly apparent that Chelsea were unable to stop the fast slick passing of the the Spurs players. All the team were playing great football and deserved the win. Onwards and upwards.
Rachael: I am really pleased with Tottenham's performance. They controlled the game throughout and took the game to Chelsea, who were second best for once. Every Spurs player played well.
Guru: About as good a performance and result that you could hope to get at Stamford Bridge. Practically everything seemed to click into place but it still feels like there is more that the team can give - which is a great feeling to have. No going to go wild and say that we're back but the road towards that place has begun.
Simon: What an absolute team performance. The defence was solid, midfield bossing the game, however, that ruthlessness when chances are created is still missing. However, I am confident it will come with time as the team are slowly gaining confidence and are beginning to gel. It's still early in that transition though.
Match of the Day pundit Martin Keown looks at the red card shown to Cole Palmer during Chelsea's 2-0 defeat to Tottenham, with the former Arsenal defender agreeing with the decision and suggesting Palmer was lucky not to receive a straight red for an early incident.
Michael Emons
BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty ImagesIt was a troubled night for Xabi Alonso's side, who lost at home in the league for the first time this season.
The Blues, who would have moved level on points with third-placed Brighton had they won, created the better chances when the game was goalless but visiting goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky saved well from Cole Palmer, Jordan Henderson and Pedro Neto.
Chelsea handed 21-year-old Mike Penders his opportunity in the absence of Martinez and he did well to keep out Omar Marmoush's side-footed effort from Andy Robertson's left-wing cross and also denied Tel.
But the Belgian was to blame for the crucial opener, and may feel he should have also done better with Tottenham's second goal.
Chelsea missed injured striker Joao Pedro, with Morgan Rogers ineffective in a false nine role, while 19-year winger Geovany Quenda also struggled to have an impact as he started a league game for the first time since a £40m summer move from Sporting.
Boss Alonso will also have to make do without Palmer for Wednesday's Carabao Cup last-16 tie at Anfield against Liverpool after the forward's first career red card.
Xabi Alonso spoke to Sky Sports after Chelsea's defeat against Tottenham:"We are all disappointed with the result, with the performance collectively and individually we were not at our best level.
"It was about the first goal and it went their way and with 10 men it was difficult but we can do better.
"Chances were the main thing, they had few and we had few. We spoke at half time we had to be patient and be mature.
"We can do better.
"We wanted to have this fluidity in the middle. We wanted the pockets filed with Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers. There were situations but overall we have to do better."
On Mike Penders' own goal: "We feel for everyone, it is a team thing, a collective. We have to move on."
On Cole Palmer's two yellow cards: "I haven't seen them."
Did you know?
Chelsea have conceded eight goals from set pieces in the Premier League this season, double the amount of any other side.
Chelsea starting XI:
Mike Penders: Assured was the word for the 21-year-old goalkeeper on his first start in place of the injured Emiliano Martinez. That was until a cross came in and he calamitously punched a corner into his own net, before letting in Tel's strike at his near post. 4
Josh Acheampong: Having started seven of Chelsea's 10 games in all competitions this season, Acheampong is emerging as a reliable member of the backline. Defended well and seldom looked troubled. 6
Maxence Lacroix: The France international made several important interventions during spells when Chelsea were under pressure. 6
Levi Colwill: Colwill looked at his physical best as part of an increasingly settled backline. 6
Pedro Neto: Arguably Chelsea's standout performer. Excellent defensively, winning the ball back high up the pitch on several occasions, while also posing a threat going forward. Saw a well-struck effort saved in the second half. 7
Moises Caicedo: Like Neto, one of Chelsea's best performers. Constantly won possession and disrupted Tottenham's rhythm, particularly through his battles with James Maddison before the midfielder was forced off. 8
Jordan Henderson: Should perhaps have made more of Chelsea's best first-half chance in the 36th minute, but otherwise carried out his responsibilities effectively in midfield. 6
Jorrel Hato: A quiet evening in which he appeared more focused on containing Mohammed Kudus than supporting attacks. Taken off in the 65th minute. 5
Cole Palmer: Contributed well defensively and in Chelsea's press. Tested Kinsky with a curling effort and was involved in several promising moves, but could not provide a decisive moment. Palmer was sent off for a late tackle on Gallagher, having been booked for causing a flashpoint by pushing over Fernandes, in nine minutes of ill-discipline. 4
Geovany Quenda: Making his first Chelsea start in place of Joao Pedro, Quenda began on the left wing and won an early free-kick. However, he struggled to make a significant attacking impact and was taken off in the 72nd minute. 6
Morgan Rogers: Looked less effective operating as a striker but still combined well with Palmer and forced a good save. Like Palmer and Quenda, he lacked the decisive touch in the final third. 6
Substitutes:
Marco Palestra (on 65, Hato): The wing-back was involved in the physical battle. 6
Estevao Willian (on 72, Quenda): Immediately made an impact by hitting a shot into the side-netting. 6
Subs not used: Sharman-Lowe, Fofana, Gusto, Nicoll-Jazuli, Barco, Lavia, Welbeck
Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.
Have your say on Chelsea's performance
What did you make of Tottenham's display?
Reaction and analysis to follow - and come back on Monday for a selection of your replies.
There are four games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.
Aston Villa v Manchester City (12:30)
Arsenal v Everton - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live
Coventry City v Fulham - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra
Chelsea v Tottenham (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live
Kick-off times 15:00 BST unless stated.
Follow all of the action and reaction here
How to follow the Premier League weekend across the BBC
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We were talking on the Monday Night Club about what Chelsea could do this season without any European football.
Tottenham are not in Europe either, of course, but they don't look like they are going to be challenging at the top of the table the way Xabi Alonso's side are.
People keep saying how Chelsea's attack is so good, but their 2-0 win over Everton last time out was their first clean sheet of their campaign in the league, and that side of thing still needs to improve.
Spurs, meanwhile, do seem to be getting better, albeit slowly.
It was a big result for them to beat Coventry on Monday but they have an awful record at Stamford Bridge, with only one win there in the Premier League era.
I don't see them getting anything this time, either.
Sutton's prediction: 3-1
Sophie Brown
BBC Sport journalist
"Very professional, very serious and looking solid," was how manager Xavi Alonso evaluated Chelsea's win at Everton last weekend.
The 2-0 victory included what is becoming something of a Chelsea trademark – a quickfire goal, with Pedro Neto scoring at the very start of the second half. That was the third time in the Premier League this season that Alonso's side had scored in the opening minute of either half.
But it was what happened at the other end of the pitch that will have surely pleased the Spaniard most, with Chelsea keeping their first clean sheet in the league since January, a run of 23 matches.
Alonso pointed out that "it's just one game"; and although Chelsea are in the top four, only five clubs have let in more goals in this season's Premier League, while even two of the three sides in the relegation zone have conceded fewer.
The Blues are now aiming for back-to-back clean sheets for the first time since December, and will be hopeful of achieving that against a Tottenham side who have struggled this season, and scored just once away from home.
Chelsea have won their past six league matches against Spurs, and have lost just one of their past 16 London derbies at Stamford Bridge.
Tottenham fans will be well aware that they have won just one of their past 36 league visits to the Bridge, and have picked up just two points in the past eight trips.
Given their record, it is probably never a good time to visit Chelsea, but Spurs did at least finally get a league win this season with their victory over Coventry on Monday.
Extra reason to celebrate was Omar Marmoush's first goal since his £59m move from Manchester City, along with the return from long-term injury of Dejan Kulusevski.
And the catalyst for the victory was James Maddison, who on his first start for 18 months needed just 14 minutes to make his mark, scoring Spurs' first first-half goal of the season.
Their three goals – all of which came from outside the box – doubled their Premier League tally for the season, and earned them just a fourth league win in 2026.
But Chelsea is not a happy hunting ground, and the away fans will be fearing Tottenham could lose a seventh consecutive London derby for the first time in their league history.
Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesJust as they did 10 years ago, Chelsea are thriving after moving a winger into a wing-back role, with Pedro Neto the latest player to benefit.
A decade ago, it was Victor Moses who made the switch, adapting to Antonio Conte's then-innovative system and helping Chelsea to a 13-match winning run en route to the Premier League title in 2017.
Neto scored twice from wing-back in Chelsea's 2-0 win at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday.
Perhaps Xabi Alonso saw something in Neto that the player did not initially see in himself and now the Blues are getting the best of both worlds.
Despite operating as a wing-back, he is averaging 5.3 touches in the opposition box per 90 minutes compared with 3.6 last season.
His successful dribbles have risen from 1.6 to 1.8 per 90 minutes, while his dribble success rate has increased from 43.5% to 52.6%. He is also creating more chances, with his average climbing from 1.8 to 2.0 per 90, including an increase in open-play chances created from 1.5 to 1.8.
His defensive responsibilities have also increased significantly, with tackles rising from 0.7 to 2.0 per 90 and possessions won increasing from 2.9 to 3.9, all in the Premier League.
It owes to Neto's athleticism, which he has previously attributed in part to growing up in a family of roller-hockey players, allowing him to impact both ends of the pitch.
A decade ago, Moses transformed himself under Conte to great effect. Neto has not had to change quite as much. Instead, his switch from winger to right wing-back under Alonso has amplified the qualities that were already there.
