Tottenham vs Chelsea team news: Oscar returns to the Blues starting XI

The match kicks off at 5.30pm

Richard Parry
Thursday 01 January 2015 12:49 EST
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Oscar in action for Chelsea against
Oscar in action for Chelsea against (Getty Images)

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Brazil international Oscar returns to Chelsea's side for the London derby clash with Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

The 23-year-old was rested from the squad that faced Southampton last time out, but having dropped points on the south coast, Jose Mourinho is keen to add some extra attacking guile to his armoury, in what will be his 100th start for the club.

For Tottenham. it's a complete change in the full back positions by Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino, as Danny Rose comes in for Ben Davies while Kyle Walker returns at right back for Spurs, with Romanian Vlad Chiriches dropping to bench.

Meanwhile, in midfield, Nabil Bentaleb has recovered from a virus to partner Ryan Mason, as Benjamin Stambouli misses out.

TEAMS IN FULL

Tottenham starting XI: Lloris, Walker, Fazio, Vertonghen, Rose; Bentaleb, Mason; Chadli, Eriksen, Townsend; Kane

Substitutes: Vorm, Chiriches, Davies, Dembele, Paulinho, Stambouli, Soldado.

Chelsea starting XI: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Matic, Fabregas; Willian, Oscar, Hazard; Diego Costa.

Substitutes: Cech, Zouma, Mikel, Ramires, Salah, Remy and Drogba

Speaking after Chelsea's 1-1 draw with Southampton, Jose Mourinho lashed out after Cesc Fabregas was booked following a challenge from Matt Targett as referee Anthony Taylor judged the Spaniard to have dived.

“I can't understand such a big penalty. Out of nothing West Ham manager Sam Allardyce starts speaking about Chelsea players diving, then another coach and another coach,” Mourinho told BBC Sport. “The referee changes a penalty for a yellow card. Same happened with Diego Costa in the game against Burnley. That I can't understand.

Meanwhile, Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino hailed the performance of his goalkeeper Hugo Lloris against Manchester United, insisting that the Frenchman is one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

"I think it's a fair result [the draw]," said Pochettino Lloris is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. It's not new for me. We know the quality from Hugo."

"The most important thing is the feeling from today. It's a good point. We produced a good performance."

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