Merson is backing Chelsea to pick up all three points against Spurs (Picture: Sky Sports)
Paul Merson has claimed he would be ‘shocked’ if Chelsea lost at Tottenham in the Premier League today despite the Blues sitting 11 places below Spurs in the league.
Chelsea have made an indifferent start this season under new manager and former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino.
Their most recent defeat – a 2-0 home loss to Brentford – leaves the Blues in 13th place after ten games and already a mammoth 12 points off the top four.
Spurs, meanwhile, have made a superb start to the league under the tutelage of new manager Ange Postecoglou and currently sit second in the table.
The north London club are the only unbeaten team left in the league after Arsenal’s defeat to Newcastle on Saturday and could return to the summit of the table should they win at home on Monday.
Despite that, Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has controversially suggested that it is Pochettino’s side who should be favourites for the clash.
‘I’d be shocked if Chelsea lost at Spurs,’ the former Arsenal player said in his column for Sky Sports.
Spurs have made a remarkable start under new manager Ange Postecoglou (Picture: Getty)
‘You only have to look at Chelsea’s two best results this season. Against both Liverpool and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea were the better side in both games.
‘Both teams had a go at Chelsea and that’s why I feel the trip to Tottenham could be perfect for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.’
Tottenham won the most recent fixture between the two sides back in February but that represents their only victory against Chelsea in their last eight matches.
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Postecoglou has set his side up to play on the front foot so far this season, but Merson believes their gung-ho approach could allow Chelsea opportunities to claim a much-needed away win.
‘There is no question that Spurs will have a go at Chelsea,’ he added. ‘The way they are playing, they have no choice but to try and continue in the same vein they have in the opening 10 matches of the season.
‘However, that plays into Chelsea’s hands and they will be able to give this game a real go.’
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It’s a bold call from the former Arsenal man.