Paul Merson is certain that Chelsea will leave the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with at least a point, stating that Mauricio Pochettinon’s team will benefit from playing Spurs.
With a victory on Monday night, the Lilywhites can extend their lead over Chelsea to 17 points and take back the top spot in the standings.
The Blues lack confidence going into the game, but Merson believes they will have a lot of fun striking Tottenham on the counterattack because their finest games this season have come against elite teams.
You simply need to look at Chelsea’s two best performances this season, the legendary Arsenal player said to Sky Sports. Chelsea was superior to Arsenal and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge in both matches.
“I think Mauricio Pochettino’s team’s trip to Tottenham could be ideal because both teams gave it their best shot against Chelsea.”
On Monday night, the Blues are in full swing. Without a doubt, Spurs will try their luck against Chelsea. Given their current play and league-leading position, their only option is to attempt to carry on from the first ten games of the season. But it works to Chelsea’s advantage.
“Nicolas Jackson is currently facing some criticism, yet he is a dangerous counterattacker and speedy. Raheem Sterling is another option on the wing. He was outstanding against Arsenal, and if he can replicate that performance, he’ll pose a threat to Spurs in the counterattack.
“Cole Palmer is a different class in the first half against Brentford. He brings the guile.” Chelsea will be able to put their all into this match. If Chelsea lost to Spurs, I would be surprised.
Will Tottenham keep up their good form vs Chelsea?
Merson also hinted that Ange Postecoglou’s team would find it difficult to handle the strain of being the clear favorites in the important London derby.
“Tottenham are under pressure,” he said. Now that they are leading the league, some anticipation is growing. Tottenham is anticipated to win this game, which is something that hasn’t happened in a while for Chelsea vs. Spurs matchups.
“I can’t recall the last time that was the situation before one of these two games. Even though Chelsea was playing badly and lost 2-0 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last year, you always believed they could go there and win.
“But, because of their strong start under Ange Postecoglou, there are now expectations, which puts pressure on them.”
The 55-year-old added that Tottenham has had a comparatively fortunate schedule, saying that they have been fortunate in some of their greatest tests of the season thus far.
“After 10 games, fair play to Spurs; they are there leading the table,” the commentator continued. They’ve played Arsenal and drawn 2-2, but to be honest, I think Arsenal will win that game by four or five goals if Gabriel Jesus scores after James Maddison gives over the ball.
“They played Liverpool at home, and VAR defeated Jurgen Klopp’s team. Manchester United hardly ever loses these days, especially when they play top-6 teams away from home.
To be fair, they’ve played a decent stretch of games. Still, there is a very long way to go. But you have to acknowledge them. The only thing you can defeat is what’s in front of you, and they did it quite nicely and stylishly.
“The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is filled with eager Spurs supporters who are hoping to defeat Chelsea for the first time in a very long time. This is a critical test for Postecoglou and his players because of this. When you show up and are expected to win, the game changes.
“Showing up makes things lot easier, and a draw is a good outcome. Spurs’ home performance against Chelsea won’t be conducive to a draw, especially given their current style of play.
We will see if we can handle the pressure of being the favorites in a major game tomorrow, so it will be a true test for us.
Chelsea lacks a clinical goalkeeper, so even though they will be dangerous on the counterattack, I believe we can win if we can score twice.
