Former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton has made his prediction for the London derby against Tottenham on Saturday.
Chelsea head to their rivals looking to return to winning ways in the Premier League after suffering defeat to Sunderland last time out.
The Blues head into the derby in ninth having lost three of their last five league games, whilst Spurs have enjoyed a good start to the season and sit third.
Chris Sutton makes Chelsea vs Tottenham prediction
Enzo Maresca will be under pressure to deliver the three points as defeat could see them drop into the bottom half of the table, although Paul Merson is backing Chelsea to win.
Chelsea were handed a boost with the news Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Joao Pedro are all fit, despite the fact they are managing injury issues.
The Blues have a great record against Spurs and have lost just one of the last 11 meetings between the sides, although it feels like this will be a tough test.
Chelsea have scored four goals on each of their previous two visits to Spurs, but Sutton believes the points will be shared.
“This is always a bit of a grudge game because the two sets of fans don’t really like each other,” he told BBC Sport.
“Chelsea need the result more, and they also have a much better record in this fixture, but their home defeat against Sunderland was another example of how flaky they are at the moment.
“Tottenham have made a better start to the season, but it still feels like there is more to come from them when their injured players come back – which won’t happen this week.
“I don’t really know which way to go with my prediction, so I am going to go for a draw. I feel like I am turning into AI.
“Prediction: Tottenham 1-1 Chelsea.”
Discipline will be key
Chelsea have a poor disciplinary record this season, which was further highlighted by Liam Delap getting sent off against Wolves.
If the Blues are to have any chance they need to keep 11 men on the pitch, although Alan Shearer isn’t sure Chelsea can manage that.
A win could give the Blues the momentum they need to go on another run, but defeat would leave serious questions about Maresca’s future.
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