Paul Merson has predicted that Tottenham will draw their opening game of the season against Chelsea and is expecting a “cagey” match between the two London rivals.
Spurs host the Blues in the Premier League on Sunday in their first Premier League game at Wembley Stadium.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side are using the national stadium this season and will be looking to get off to a solid start against a fellow title rival.
The north London club beat Newcastle 2-0 in their opening day match, while Chelsea suffered a shock 3-2 defeat at home to Burnley.
Merson has tipped the two teams to play out a tight 1-1 draw at the weekend and feels both sides will be content with a point.
The Sky Sports pundit feels that Spurs will be desperate not to lose their first game at Wembley this season.
“Chelsea won’t lose here. I think both teams will be more than happy with a draw,” Merson told Sky Sports. “You have to remember that the last thing Tottenham want to do is lose this game – their first at Wembley this season – and Chelsea can’t afford to lose a second game on the bounce.
“Both teams will be nervous and I think it will be quite cagey. If not a draw I would probably go Chelsea. I was not impressed with Tottenham at Newcastle, I thought they were poor.”
OPINION
Spurs definitely won’t lose their opening home game, but would be best served playing offensively and trying to secure the three points. Pochettino’s side need to adapt quickly to their new home surroundings and try to make it a fortress if they can. They could put Chelsea under real pressure with a win at the weekend and leave the reigning champions with 0 points from the opening two games. Spurs want to be serious title challengers again this season and Sunday would be a great opportunity to lay down an early marker.