Mauricio Pochettino expects Chelsea to be in Champions League contention

Tottenham lie fifth in the Premier League, just four points behind surprise leaders Leicester, ahead of Sunday’s visit of Chelsea but Pochettino is not getting carried away by their fine start to the season.

They have never gone 13 unbeaten in the Premier League era and the last time they did in the league was in March 1985 (14 games in total).

Extending that record into last season and they have only lost twice in their previous 20 Premier League matches.

“They are in the Europa League, in the group phase, and no one cares about it at that stage”. They will go through a light tactical session at the training ground on Saturday but there has been disquiet voiced by the manager, Mauricio Pochettino, at the timing of Sunday’s kick-off.

Team selection will be crucial for what is a highly-anticipated game, so let’s take a crack at predicting the Chelsea starting eleven. Chelsea’s return from Israel was only marginally shorter, but the Blues had an extra 48 hours to prepare, as they played on Tuesday. It was an important time to believe in ourselves and for the young players. The club is powerful enough to decide they don’t have to sell and they can invest. We have great facilities so we need to use them. The manager is very good.

“But the team is really good”.

The north London side haven’t tasted defeat since their opening day loss to Manchester United, and will look to extend their run against rivals Chelsea as the struggling defending champions travel to White Hart Lane for Sunday’s London derby.

“I am happy that a big club want our player – this is because they show they are a top player with top performances”, Pochettino was quoted as saying by British media.

Chelsea seem to have gotten back that flair back following the fluid attacking football they’ve played in their last two games which they won and failed to concede any goal. We think we can do it.

“I’m not focused on the market because I think about going with the same players”, he said.

The 21-year-old centre-back will have to contend with the physical battle of Diego Costa this weekend but said he will not try to get under the Spaniard’s skin. They are ready. I’m not saying (Papy) Djilibodji’s ready because he didn’t have chances to play and it’s a different situation.