Chelsea give Quenda first league start as Joao Pedro misses Tottenham clash

Chelsea have selected 19-year-old Geovany Quenda for his first Premier League start against Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on October 24. Joao Pedro is absent from the squad, with manager Xabi Alonso yet to explain why.

Pedro has recorded five goals and three assists in six league appearances this season. Quenda starts alongside Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers in attack, with Rogers apparently taking the false-nine role rather than Alonso turning to striker Danny Welbeck.

Alonso's other change from the side that beat Everton 2-0 brings Mike Penders into goal. Emiliano Martinez is unavailable after suffering a broken jaw last weekend.

Tottenham also have two changes following their 3-1 victory against Coventry City. Mateus Fernandes returns to midfield after Tosin Adarabioyo suffered a calf injury in that match. Roberto De Zerbi appears to have opted for a four-man defense, pairing Jan Paul van Hecke with Micky van de Ven centrally.

Mathys Tel starts instead of Dominic Solanke, leaving Omar Marmoush to play as the central striker. Pedro Porro has recovered from a muscular injury and is among Tottenham's substitutes.

Victory would put Chelsea alongside third-placed Brighton & Hove Albion on points. Tottenham, whose Coventry result was their first league win this season, could move from 19th to 11th by earning their first away league victory of the campaign.