Premier League icon Gus Poyet has tipped a surprise contender for the title this campaign, while issuing a stark warning to new Spurs boss Thomas Frank.
The former Chelsea and Spurs midfielder made just shy of 200 appearances for the clubs combined and is remaining positive about both sides’ potential in the upcoming season.
Chelsea come off the back of an impressive triumph at the inaugural Club World Cup, dismantling European champions Paris Saint-Germain 3-0.
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Poyet believes Maresca is due “credit” and cited the club’s summer business as a reason for how they can push forward this year and even challenge for the title.
Gus Poyet has tipped Chelsea for big things this season after their terrific run of form in recent months
|REUTERS
Speaking to William Hill, the 57-year-old said: “Chelsea are on a massive high. Winning the Conference League and then following up with the Club World Cup is big for the club and new ownership.
“The manager now has credit in the bank to push on with the new season. The new striker additions are going to be a big part of how Chelsea does this season.
“They have bigger options now up front with [Liam] Delap and [Joao] Pedro, and with [Cole] Palmer looking to push on as well, it’s going to be an exciting time.
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The Uruguayan believes Chelsea's summer business gives them a shot at the title
|GETTY
“I expect a quick start to the new season for Chelsea as they look to compete for the title. Minimum is top 4, which I expect Chelsea to make, and then if they can keep their top players fit, then it could be a three or even a four-way battle for the title.
“I don’t see any let-up from Liverpool, Arsenal or Man City, so this season promises to be the most competitive season in years.”
Chelsea kick their season off against Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon.
On the other hand, Spurs recorded a dominant 3-0 win over newly-promoted Burnley in their Premier League opener, with Richarlison playing a starring role.
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The Brazilian bagged an impressive brace, including a stunning volley, as his renaissance under Frank gathers momentum.
While only being two games into Frank’s reign, the 28-year-old has impressed, looking strong, aggressive and clinical up top.
The striker’s transformation could be pivotal to Frank’s new side, along with fresh signing Mohammed Kudus, who moved from London rivals West Ham earlier in the window.
Frank’s maiden competitive Spurs game came against PSG in the Super Cup, with the former Brentford boss seeing his side squander a 2-0 lead and falling short on penalties.
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Thomas Frank guided Spurs to a 3-0 victory over Burnley on the opening day, helped by striker Richarlison
|REUTERS
The performance, however, was hugely impressive, with PSG boss Luis Enrique admitting that ”we didn’t deserve that”.
Poyet believes Frank has a “massive” job to do at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but proved he is a “very good coach” at Brentford, which should set the Dane in good standing.
“Thomas Frank has a massive job on his hands at Spurs,” the former Sunderland boss continued. “Spurs’ league form last year was not acceptable, even with the injuries they had. There has to be improvement.
“Frank has shown he is a very good coach from how he performed at Brentford. Massive respect for him and for a tremendous coaching performance with Brentford over the years.
“Now at Spurs, the ambitions are a lot higher. He will look to deliver an attractive style of play, but will need support in the transfer market between now and the end of the transfer window. Spurs need more quality players in their ranks to compete.
“They will be more difficult to beat, I expect, but it’s key for them to look to improve their squad with Champions League football and competing on all fronts.
“Frank will look to adopt a style of play at Spurs of which the players need to buy into. They have good footballers but must adapt quickly.
“Offensively, I think Spurs need to look to strengthen on the wings and a centre forward, but I expect Spurs to improve considerably in their league form this season, but they must invest in order to compete for a European place at a minimum.”