Chelsea vs Tottenham predicted lineups: Lauren James available for Stamford Bridge derby

Lauren James is available for Chelsea’s WSL meeting with Tottenham, giving Sonia Bompastor a strong attacking option for Sunday’s derby at Stamford Bridge.

The WSL fixture takes place at Stamford Bridge on Sunday 18 October 2026, kicking off at 12pm BST.

Chelsea team news: James fit and squad available

Bompastor has reported a fully available squad in Chelsea’s official pre-match update. James is fit after her involvement with England.

Our selection gives her a place behind Melvine Malard, alongside Sjoeke Nüsken. That remains a predicted combination, with Maika Hamano another option in the attacking midfield positions.

Tottenham team news: Ahtinen ruled out

Olga Ahtinen will miss the derby with a knock, according to Tottenham’s team-news briefing. Spurs are also assessing players who returned later from international duty.

Victoria Pelova is our choice in the central attacking role, with Holdt and Hanson either side of her. Signe Gaupset and Drew Spence are selected in midfield.

Chelsea vs Tottenham predicted lineups

Chelsea predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Hampton; Bjørn, Buurman, McCabe; Carpenter, Walsh, Kaptein, Baltimore; James, Nüsken; Malard.

Tottenham predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Kop; Dijkstra, Koga, Nildén, Blakstad; Gaupset, Spence; Holdt, Pelova, Hanson; Tandberg.

The selection decisions to watch

Chelsea’s predicted wing-backs, Ellie Carpenter and Sandy Baltimore, would supply the width. For Tottenham, keeping support close to Cathinka Tandberg could help them retain possession when they escape Chelsea’s pressure. The anticipated shapes draw on the Opta Analyst match preview, with James our change to Chelsea’s attacking selection.

These are our predicted teams, not confirmed starting lineups. Fitness assessments, international workloads and tactical decisions can change the selections before kick-off.

The match is live in the UK on Sky Sports Football. See our football on TV guide and women’s football section for more coverage.

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