Paul Merson and Harry Redknapp have made contrasting predictions ahead of Saturday’s London derby between Tottenham and Chelsea.
Tottenham have just one win in their last 13 league meetings with Chelsea, and lost on both occasions to Enzo Maresca’s side under Ange Postecoglou last season.
But having made a solid start to their Premier League campaign under new boss Thomas Frank, Spurs will be hopeful of ending that miserable recent record in front of their home fans.
Chelsea, meanwhile, bounced back from their surprise defeat to Sunderland last weekend wih a midweek victory over Wolves in the Carabao Cup.
It was far from a perfect night for the Blues, though, who almost threatened to throw away a three-goal lead before continuing their troubling recent run of ill-discpline when Liam Delap was sent off after picking up two yellow cards in only seven minutes.
Get personalised updates on Chelsea every day
Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro’s Football Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we’ll send you so we can get football news tailored to you.
And previewing the clash for BetVictorRedknapp said that the topsy-turvy nature of Chelsea’s performances this season has led him to side with a narrow 2-1 Tottenham win on Saturday.
‘What a game this is, and what a hard one to predict!’ he said. ‘Spurs had been a little bit out of form but that was a very impressive win away to Everton and that should give them a real lift.
‘A win here would be massive for them and add to what’s been a good start for Thomas Frank.
‘As for Chelsea, I just can’t make my mind up on them! A couple of weeks ago, they beat Liverpool and that felt like a big moment for them, and they go and lose to Sunderland at home last time out.
‘Another defeat here and there could be a bit of pressure on the players and of course, the gaffer. I’m picking Spurs, they just seem to be in a better place to me.’
Asked for his player to watch, Redknapp could look no further than Tottenham’s defensive rock Micky van de Ven, saying of the Dutch centre-back: ‘I’m not expecting him to score two again, but what a top player van de Ven is and when he’s at his best, Spurs are a very good side.’
Merson, meanwhile, believes that Chelsea could well edge the contest and win 2-1, although he suggested that Maresca’s side could get caught out if the Italian did not get his team selection right in wide attacking areas.
Writing in his Sportskeeda column, Merson said: ‘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.
‘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.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
MORE: Petr Cech makes Arsenal prediction over Chelsea Premier League record
MORE: Danny Murphy names the two Man Utd players who still need to ‘do more’
MORE: Man Utd star reveals what Peter Schmeichel told him after questioning £18m transfer
