Former Premier League star Paul Merson believes Chelsea must start Pedro Neto in Saturday’s game away at Tottenham.
The Blues head to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium looking for a response after losing to Sunderland last time out.
Chelsea advanced to the Carabao Cup quarter finals in midweek, whilst Spurs were dumped out by Newcastle, and the London derby is sure to be a spicy affair.
Paul Merson claims Pedro Neto must start against Tottenham
Enzo Maresca’s men sit ninth heading in the clash, whilst Spurs are flying high in third after a good start under Thomas Frank.
The pressure will be on Maresca to deliver three points, and Spurs have won just one of the last 11 games between the sides.
Maresca made ten changes for the game against Wolves, and will likely make a number of changes again on Saturday.
Who plays on the wings is always a point of contention, with Estevao and Jamie Gittens impressing against Wolves, but Merson has claimed Neto must start against Spurs.
“Chelsea must start with Pedro Neto in this game,” he told Sportskeeda.
“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.”
Maresca has praised Neto for his form, and he’s been a main stay in the side this season, with two goals and two assists in 13 appearances in all competitions.
Estevao and Jamie Gittens impress
Whilst Neto has been a regular, both Estevao and Jamie Gittens are knocking on the door to start in the Premier League.
Estevao scored a lovely chip against Wolves, whilst Gittens put in another impressive performance with two assists and a brilliant goal.
On merit the duo should start against Spurs, but the reality is that’s unlikely to happen, and it will be interesting to see what combination Maresca goes with.