---
title: "‘Predictable’ – Roberto De Zerbi makes bold Tottenham claim ahead of Chelsea clash"
canonical: "https://readtottenham.com/2026/10/24/predictable-roberto-de-zerbi-makes-bold-tottenham-claim-ahead-of-chelsea-clash/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Vishal Subramanian"
section: "Tottenham News"
published: "2026-10-24T06:06:00Z"
modified: "2026-10-24T06:06:01Z"
---

# ‘Predictable’ – Roberto De Zerbi makes bold Tottenham claim ahead of Chelsea clash

**Tottenham will take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge later today as they look for a rare win at a ground that has haunted them over the years.**

The Lilywhites have won just one Premier League game at the home of the Blues in the Premier League era, which came in 2018.

Nevertheless, Roberto De Zerbi and co will be high on confidence after their first Premier League win of the season vs Coventry City last week.

And now, the Italian feels the game against Chelsea will be a completely different one tactically.

## De Zerbi feels Tottenham can adapt vs Chelsea

“Against Coventry we played three at the back; we were predictable,” said De Zerbi via [Football London](https://www.football.london/tottenham-hotspur-fc/news/de-zerbi-tottenham-maddison-kulusevski-34808512).

“Not because we played three at the back, but because we played against one low block. We conceded only one counter-attack; I think we played a very good game in the order on the pitch, in the space we occupied.

“We can play tomorrow three at the back, we can play four, like the first period, nothing changed.

> “We have the quality to play well and to win the game.”\
> \
> Watch Roberto De Zerbi preview our trip to Chelsea on the official Spurs app.\
> \
> 📲 [https://t.co/xMyGgV7N1S](https://t.co/xMyGgV7N1S) [pic.twitter.com/osb1I7cUVn](https://t.co/osb1I7cUVn)
>
> — Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) [October 23, 2026](https://x.com/SpursOfficial/status/2113707026068980142?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

“It depends on the game, if the game is more vertical or more in control. Also for the behaviour, for the attitude of the opponent. If the opponent comes strong in the pressure, you will play more vertically.”

“If they stay with the low block, if they cover the line pass, you have more time in control, but maybe you have many fewer spaces between the line, fewer spaces to do one-vs-one in dribbling. These are totally different games.”

As De Zerbi said, Chelsea pose a completely different threat when compared to Coventry, so Tottenham will have to be on their toes to secure a positive result at Stamford Bridge.

​