Mark Lawrenson has told BBC Sport that he expects Chelsea to beat Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
Stamford Bridge plays host to what promises to be an intriguing London derby.
Tottenham are joint-top of the Premier League table with Liverpool, two points ahead of Chelsea back in third.
Jose Mourinho’s side go into the game on the back of a morale-boosting win over Manchester City in North London last week.
And although Lawrenson has acknowledged the tactical ‘masterclass’ that Mourinho provided against Pep Guardiola, he expects Chelsea and Frank Lampard will be a far tougher test in West London.
He told BBC Sport: “Spurs put on a Jose Mourinho masterclass when they beat Manchester City last weekend. It was a great performance and they are playing well, but I do feel with Tottenham that they have to score first for that gameplan to be successful.
“Chelsea always seem to get a lot of goals – they are the highest scorers in the Premier League this season – and I am not so sure Spurs will keep them out.”
Victory would solidify Tottenham as genuine title challengers.
This early in the season, anybody can challenge, but Mourinho’s side have been winning ugly against the teams they should be beating – and they’ve been beating their rivals.
Sunday is a major test but if the Lilywhites can pass it then watch this space.
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