Chelsea and Spurs face off on Saturdayplaceholder image
Chelsea and Spurs face off on Saturday | Getty Images
A look at the pundit predictions for the London derby between Chelsea and Tottenham.
Tottenham and Chelsea face off in a London derby on Saturday, and it’s a tough one to call at this still early stage of the season. Spurs are currently three points higher in the table after a big win over Everton last time out in the league, while the Blues suffered a surprise defeat to Sunderland.
Since then, Tottenham lost to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup, while Chelsea beat Wolves in chaotic fashion. Ahead of this derby clash, we have rounded up the pundit predictions from SportsKeeda’s Paul Merson and BBC Sport’s Chris sutton.
Paul Merson
“Chelsea rested a few of their main players for the cup game against Wolves and luckily they got through. Tottenham will be disappointed about not making it to the next round like Chelsea after their loss to Newcastle.
“I don't think Spurs are a great team when they play at home. If you look at the league table based on results at home and away, it paints an accurate picture. Tottenham are 17th in the league if you only count results from their home games, while they are at the top if you consider just games on the road! Thomas Frank will be happy with Spurs' result against Everton last weekend. I know it was 3-0 but Guglielmo Vicario still made some top draw saves in that game.
“This is the biggest game of the season for both teams. After this, Chelsea face Wolves and Burnley in the league. If they can beat Spurs this weekend, they will be confident of going into them games feeling like they can make it three straight wins before the international break.
“Liam Delap getting sent off in the cup game against Wolves is disappointing because it would have been an interesting battle between him and Micky van de Ven. Unlike Joao Pedro, Delap has strength and does not drop deep too often. He would have tested that back four if he was available.
“Chelsea must start with Pedro Neto in this game. It's a big pitch at Tottenham and he's quick as anything. I'm almost certain Estevao will also start the game. Both wingers must track back though. Spurs have full-backs who love to go forward, so if the Chelsea wingers do not help out in defence, their team will get overrun. I expect Enzo Maresca to make his team selection based on who he trusts more to do the defensive work down the flanks, otherwise Chelsea are in trouble. Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Chelsea.”
Chris Sutton
“This is always a bit of a grudge game because the two sets of fans don't really like each other. Chelsea need the result more, and they also have a much better record in this fixture, but their home defeat against Sunderland was another example of how flaky they are at the moment.
“Tottenham have made the better start to the season, but it still feels like there is more to come from them when their injured players come back - which won't happen this week. I don't really know which way to go with my prediction, so I am going to for a draw. I feel like I am turning into AI. Prediction: 1-1.”
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