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The Premier League action comes thick and fast with Chelsea and Arsenal in action on Wednesday.
Former Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham manager Harry Redknapp believes that Chelsea are firmly in the Premier League title race, despite Enzo Maresca's attempts to play down such suggestions this week.
The Blues were not considered likely contenders to challenge for the top spot in the division by many before a ball was kicked this term. Mauricio Pochettino had left Stamford Bridge under controversial circumstances and Enzo Maresca arrived in West London with a big mission of stability.
The former Leicester City boss has exceeded expectations so far with Chelsea sitting third in the table after 13 fixtures. The Blues are level on points with 2nd-place Arsenal and two points ahead of Champions Manchester City.
Previewing the midweek Premier League action, Redknapp tipped Chelsea to pick up a 2-0 away win on the road at Southampton. He told Bet Victor: "Southampton were unlikely not to leave Brighton with all three points on Friday, yet another questionable VAR decision! I’ve mentioned him before but I’m very, very impressed by young Tyler Dibling, he looks like a real talent. He’s suspended here though, that’s a blow.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca.Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca. | AFP via Getty Images
"Whisper it, but Chelsea are firmly in this title race. I don’t think Enzo Maresca is getting enough credit for the job he’s doing here. I know people will say they had a lot of talent in the squad, but he’s really getting the most out of it. I’ve got to go with Chelsea, they look so good going forward."
When asked if Arsenal were title contenders if he considered that Chelsea were not, Maresca said: "Absolutely, yeah. They have been there for the last two years, very close to Man City. We have not been there.
"They were very, very close to City. Liverpool they have been there, we have not been there. Hopefully soon we could be there."
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Redknapp - ‘I can’t look beyond Arsenal’
Should Mikel Arteta hope to close the gap on the Reds, the Spaniard will need a strong run of form over the busy festive period. Next up for Arsenal is the visit of Manchester United and Ruben Amorim on Wednesday night.
Previewing that game, Redknapp picked out Bukayo Saka as the 'one to watch', praising the player's 'superb' run of form lately. He added: "What a game this should be. The difference in Arsenal’s play with Martin Odegaard in the team is just night and day, they were superb against West Ham. It’s been a fantastic week for the Gunners, they’ll expect to win this too.
"Everton may have given them a helping hand, but that was a great first home win for Ruben Amorim. I’m sure he was delighted to see Marcus Rashford get another couple of goals; he could be such a huge player for the new manager. I just can’t look beyond Arsenal in this form, particularly at the Emirates."
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