Mark Lawrenson on whether Spurs can bounce back with a win against Chelsea

BBC football pundit Mark Lawrenson has given his prediction ahead of Tottenham Hotspur’s Premier League fixture against Chelsea tomorrow evening.

Spurs travel to Stamford Bridge on the back of a surprise 2-1 defeat to Burnley at the weekend which has derailed their hopes of challenging Liverpool and Manchester City for the title.

Chelsea also find themselves in somewhat of a turbulent time given the recent ban which sees them unable to purchase any new players in the next couple of transfer windows, along with some of the on-field antics between their goalkeeper and manager.

Realistically, Spurs need to be going to Chelsea and coming away with a win if they are to cling onto the title dream and not give their rivals a chance to stick the boot in.

Lawrenson believes that it will be a case of honours even with both sides playing out a score draw, which is of little help to both sides.

He told BBC Sport: “I thought Chelsea played well in the Carabao Cup final, but what happened with Kepa Arrizabalaga obviously overshadowed any improvement in their performance.

“Maurizio Sarri needs to sort out Kepa but a telling off and a fine is all it will take.

“The problem with what happened is that it gives the impression that the manager is not in control and, on the back of the results he has had, it makes a bad situation even worse.

“But it is done and now they both just need to move on. If they do, then as the number one Kepa should be in goal for this game and he will have the chance to redeem himself on the pitch.

Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino also had a frustrating weekend.

“He was in the news for his reaction after Saturday’s defeat by Burnley.

“I had predicted a draw, knowing that Harry Kane was coming back. Part of my thinking was that, when a team’s best player is out, you get a little bit extra from all the other players. When he returns, they relax a tiny bit.

“It is going to take time for Kane to get back to his best but Spurs are on a tough run. They have got the north London derby against Arsenal coming up at the weekend too.

“Lawro’s prediction: 1-1.”