Keown believes the absence of a key man will be fatal for Spurs at Stamford Bridge.
Martin Keown has written for the Daily Mail that the absence through suspension of left-back Danny Rose means Tottenham Hotspur will lose half of their firepower against Chelsea this evening.
Rose will miss the trip to Stamford Bridge after picking up a fifth yellow card of the season in the win over West Ham United last weekend.
His absence will undoubtedly be a big blow for Spurs. The defender is a key component of Mauricio Pochettino’s team and provides both defensive solidity and attacking threat down the left flank.
His suspension could even necessitate a change in formation. Pochettino had dabbled with a defence of three centre-backs and two wing-backs in recent weeks, but he will almost certainly have to revert to a flat back four.
Keown believes Rose’s absence will be a huge factor in the result of the game, and predicted a 2-1 win for Chelsea.
He wrote for the Daily Mail: “The suspension of Danny Rose for this clash is a huge blow for Mauricio Pochettino.
“Tottenham’s pace comes from their full-backs so they go to Stamford Bridge lacking 50 per cent of their firepower.
“Rose was so good against Arsenal three weeks ago as Spurs played with three at the back. Unless Pochettino springs a surprise and opts for Dele Alli or Son Heung-min at wing-back, Tottenham will have to settle for a back four with Eric Dier and Kevin Wimmer in the middle and centre-back Jan Vertonghen on the left.
“My prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Tottenham.”
Spurs will be desperate to secure another London derby victory after last weekend and end their Stamford Bridge curse to record only a second win in 10 games in all competitions.
However, with Rose out and Chelsea flying – the Blues are top of the league, having won their last six matches without conceding – any away win would certainly be a surprise one.
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