Chelsea make the short trip across London this weekend to face close rivals Tottenham in a Premier League showdown.
There’s definitely a positive mood around the Chelsea squad right now, winning their last four consecutive games across all competitions. In terms of their Premier League form, the Blues are up to second in the division table after three straight victories.
Enzo Maresca’s side now travel to rivals Spurs this Sunday afternoon, which is set to be a very interesting fixture.
Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs team were beaten 1-0 away to Bournemouth last night, so they currently sit 10th in the league standings.
It’ll be interesting to see which Chelsea team takes to the field versus Spurs, especially because there were seven changes during the midweek 5-1 thrashing of Southampton in the league. An early piece of team news is that Maresca has confirmed Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez will start at Spurs.
Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea controls the ball whilst under pressure from Emerson of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Tottenh...
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Paul Merson predicts Tottenham vs Chelsea
Paul Merson has predicted that Chelsea will have too much for Spurs on Sunday, so he thinks they’ll come away with another three points on the road.
Merson told Sportskeeda: “If you’re a fan, Tottenham away from home is Chelsea’s biggest game of the season… If they can win against Spurs, it will send a massive statement. I won’t label Tottenham as one of the ‘big boys’ in the league but they are a team that can beat a lot of teams and we’ve seen that already this season.
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“If Chelsea secure a top-four finish and win a trophy, this would become a phenomenal season for them. Anything more than that would be incredible but unlikely.
“Ange Postecoglou wants Tottenham to be entertaining that’s how they try to play. Chelsea have better players in nearly every position and may have too much for Spurs to handle.
“Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 1-3 Chelsea.”
Chelsea’s travelling supporters have watched some of the team’s best performances so far. In their seven away games in the league this season, they’ve managed five wins, one draw, and one defeat.
Chelsea set a new record at Southampton by posting the highest xG by an away team in Premier League history (5.29).
Time to unleash Nicolas Jackson
For the first time this season, Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson didn’t start a Premier League game for them in their 5-1 demolition of Southampton. In fact, he was left watching on the bench.
The 23-year-old’s been a mainstay in the league XI this campaign, but he was rested in midweek ahead of the Spurs clash. Surely, the fact that he’s one booking away from a suspension played a role in Maresca’s decision-making.
Jackson should be back in the starting line-up for Chelsea this Sunday after scoring eight goals in 13 league appearances this season.
Interestingly, the Senegal international has a phenomenal record versus Spurs, scoring four goals in two matches against them. This included a second-half hat-trick in the away fixture last season.
Chris Sutton says Chelsea’s Jackson is “on fire” right now, so opponents should be worried about facing him. In particular, Spurs’ defence will be vulnerable this weekend with their extremely high line.
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