John Southall
BBC Radio 5 live football reporter

Image source, BBC Sport

There’s no love lost between these two sides, even with no fans in the ground and a weakened Tottenham side. No surprise there are plenty of changes tonight, Jose said they can’t compete for this competition, not sure about that, but he has made the nine changes with no centre forward in the XI.

For Chelsea, it's another game and another keeper, Edouard Mendy is the latest to try to convince between the sticks. He needs to be a success.

Don Hutchison
Ex-Liverpool midfielder on BBC Radio 5 Live

Sergio Reguilon has serious pace down the left and can get up and down for fun. He can play left back or wing back.

Jose Mourinho wants energy and speed but this seems the perfect game for him. Reguilon might have joy if he gets one on one with Cesar Azpilicueta.

When I see Reguilon, I see a real player in there.

Image source, Getty Images

Spurs play Maccabi Haifa on Thursday in the final qualifying round for the Europa League. I think.

Both of tonight's teams will hope to be in the hats for the Champions League and Europa League draws this week.

Teams across the continent will discover their European fate when the Champions League draw takes place on Thursday(16:00 BST) and the Europa League draw on Friday (12:00 BST).

Here is everything you need to know.

Fair point Dave. Is this football better than none at all? I guess that's the question.

Chris Baldwin: In a week with so many matches Dele doesn’t even make the bench again. There’s clearly been a breakdown between him and Jose. It’s such a shame. So much talent but honestly I’d say he’s maybe had 3 or 4 good games in the last 2 years. Maybe a move would suit everyone

Dave Payn: Reasons to be cheerful - we have some football. Given the rapid rise in Covid cases it might not last much longer.

Plenty of changes for both sides, but the big news for Tottenham is that midfielder Dele Alli does not even make the squad for this game.

There are nine changes in all from the side that drew 1-1 against Newcastle in the league on Sunday.

Sergio Reguilon makes his debut while Hugo Lloris and Eric Dier keep their places but Matt Doherty, Davinson Sanchez, Ben Davies, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Harry Winks, Lucas Moura, Giovani Lo Celso, Son Heung-min and Harry Kane all drop out.

Spurs XI: Lloris, Aurier, Alderweireld, Dier, Tanganga, Reguilon, Fernandes, Ndombele, Sissoko, Bergwijn, Lamela.

Frank Lampard makes eight changes to the Chelsea side that came back from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 against West Brom on Sunday.

There is a debut for goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and Ben Chilwell also starts, while Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount and Timo Werner keep their places in the side.

Willy Caballero, Reece James, Andreas Christensen, Thiago Silva, Marcos Alonso, Kai Havertz and Tammy Abraham drop out.

Chelsea XI: Mendy, Azpilicueta, Zouma, Tomori, Chilwell, Jorginho, Kovacic, Mount, Hudson-Odoi, Werner, Giroud.

Not sure it's even news now but Dele Alli isn't even on the bench tonight.

Handball, VAR, no fans in, clubs folding, manic fixture schedules, League Cup every week - this season is a right mess isn't it?

Can you please send your reasons to be cheerful. Text or tweet...

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The new handball rule is a "massive problem" and "something has to change", says Tottenham defender Eric Dier.

All agreed?

Chelsea

A third keeper in as many games for Chelsea as new signing Edouard Mendy starts. There's also a first start for Ben Chilwell.

Tottenham's number three, Sergio Reguilon, makes his debut as Spurs make nine changes from the Newcastle draw.

Tottenham Hotspur

Jose Mourinho says the EFL has not given Tottenham a chance of competing for the Carabao Cup.

After tonight's game, Tottenham host Maccabi Haifa in a Europa League play-off on Thursday - in-between two weekend Premier League games.

"I would like to fight for the Carabao but I don't think I can," he said.

"The group phase of the Europa League gives us a certain amount of money that for a club like us is very important."

Tottenham Hotspur

Yep, Spurs are playing again. And they will be again in, oooh, about 48 hours.

Image source, Getty Images

It's three games in five days for Jose Mourinho's side so expect plenty of rotation as the EFL Cup rolls around again...