Paul Merson predicts a winner in Tottenham v Chelsea clash, claims ace won’t play
By Richard Parks
Paul Merson has predicted that Chelsea will beat Tottenham in Sunday’s London derby at Stamford Bridge.
The two rivals will go head to head in a mouthwatering live TV showdown which could prove pivotal in the race for a top-four finish.
Tottenham are five points ahead of Chelsea going into the match and could extend that to eight points if they are able to secure a landmark victory.
Merson is convinced that Spurs will be unable to triumph without Harry Kane, who is a major doubt after suffering an ankle ligament injury earlier this month, and predicted a 2-1 victory for the hosts.
“This is a massive football match,” Merson told the Sky Sports website. “It either opens up the top four or closes it and it’ll be finished but I’m going to go for it to be blown wide open because I fancy Chelsea to win this game.
“I don’t see how Tottenham win without Harry Kane but in a must-win game, Spurs have to go there and make sure they don’t lose.
“I know Chelsea’s record hasn’t been great lately, they’ve won five of their last 18, but I still fancy them to win this football game with the way Willian and Eden Hazard are playing too, especially Willian.
“Tottenham are not the greatest team away from home for where they are in the league so for me, I think the top-four race will be blown wide open.”
Football Insider verdict:
Spurs fans will argue that they have improved away from home in marquee matches, pointing out their excellent performances in 2-2 draws against Juventus and Liverpool since the turn of the year. Yet, Mauricio Pochettino’s side have also come a cropper on the road in big games, such as their most recent trips to Manchester and the pre-Christmas defeat at Arsenal. Merson is convinced Kane won’t have recovered in time, and it is difficult to argue that Chelsea’s defenders will be anything over than ecstatic at not having to face the Spurs goal king, whatever the merits of Son Heung-Min and company.
In other Tottenham news, it can be revealed the club are working on deals to sign up FIVE players, with three agreements virtually nailed on.
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