Paul Merson believes that the upcoming London derby on Saturday is the biggest game of Tottenham’s and Chelsea’s season, and could have a huge impact on the trajectory of the two sides.
Spurs suffered a disappointing loss in the Carabao Cup during mid-week, but Thomas Frank insisted he saw some positive signs from Tottenham offensively against Newcastle.
The main issue for Dane at the moment is that Spurs currently have double-digit injury absentees, with the situation being almost as bad as it was midway through last season.
Frank has not used injuries as an excuse, and he will be desperate for his weakened Tottenham side to get its first win at home since the opening day of the season.
Paul Merson feels it is a must-win game for both Tottenham and Chelsea
Merson insisted that he has not been convinced by either Spurs or Chelsea this season, suggesting that the Lilywhites had Guglielmo Vicario’s heroics to thank for winning at Everton last week.
The former Arsenal man remarked that both teams desperately need a win for their players to regain their confidence, particularly with the international break just a week away.
Merson told Sportskeeda: “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-drawer 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.”
Merson predicts the result of Spurs v Chelsea
According to Opta’s Supercomputer, Chelsea are favourites to beat Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium yet again.
Merson agrees with that assessment, backing Enzo Meresca’s side to emerge with a 2-1 win from N17 and consign the Lilywhites to their third home loss of the season.
The pundit added: “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.
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