Chelsea title credentials face testing fortnight

Chelsea’s status as genuine Premier League title contenders will be tested with Sunday’s trip to London rivals Tottenham Hotspur before they face the ultimate challenge against champions Manchester City next week.

While Chelsea start as favourites on Sunday, Spurs manager Nuno Espirito Santo will also learn just how well equipped his team is for this campaign from the clash with Thomas Tuchel’s European champions.

The following week Spurs have a North London derby with Arsenal and a promising start to the season could quickly be forgotten if those two matches end in defeats.

Chelsea are one of four teams at the top of the table who are unbeaten and have 10 points from three wins and a draw.

Spurs are in the trio of clubs just a point behind having won their opening three games, including an impressive victory over Manchester City, but their 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace last weekend has somewhat soured the early-season optimism.

Chelsea have not lost to Spurs in the Premier League since a 3-1 defeat at Wembley Stadium in November 2018 and Tuchel’s side are favourites with new signing Romelu Lukaku having made a strong start following his summer move from Inter Milan.

City and Liverpool will both expect to pick up three points on Saturday with Pep Guardiola’s side at home to Southampton and Liverpool hosting Palace.

Manchester United’s euphoric mood since the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo and his twogoal debut in the 4-1 win over Newcastle United was deflated by Tuesday’s Champions League loss at Young Boys in Bern.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side face a tricky test on Sunday at the London Stadium against unbeaten West Ham United.

Arsenal got their first win of the season at home to Norwich City which eased the pressure a little on manager Mikel Arteta but they can ill-afford to slip up at Burnley on Saturday.

The weekend’s round of fixtures kicks off on Friday with two winless teams meeting as Newcastle host Leeds United at St James’ Park.

● Chelsea defender Reece James had his Champions League winners’ medal and Euro 2020 runners-up medal stolen during a robbery at his home this week while he was away playing for the club.