Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti will be watching Tottenham vs Chelsea with interest. It could be crucial to who he picks as his starting striker at the World Cup next summer.
That’s according to Correio Braziliense, who report that Tottenham vs Chelsea is ‘much more than just a Premier League match’. The game could influence Ancelotti’s decision in choosing his number nine for next summer.
He has 222 days before making the big choice. It’s currently a 50/50 between Richarlison and João Pedro. The Tottenham and Chelsea forwards are the ‘main candidates’ at this moment in time.
Ancelotti’s next squad list for friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia is due on Monday. Therefore, this Saturday’s duel is ‘worth its weight in goal’ for Richarlison and Pedro.
The pair have plenty to prove as well. They are both in the middle of a run of poor form and goal droughts. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has even looked to relieve the pressure on his man, insisting he isn’t a 20 goal a season striker.
He has the chance to prove the doubters wrong this weekend. And, in the process, perhaps put himself ahead of the Tottenham man in Ancelotti’s thinking.