Arsenal legend advises Frank Lampard not to start this midfielder against Spurs

Paul Merson advises Lampard to bench Kai Havertz against Tottenham

Speaking to StarSport (h/t Metro), Arsenal legend Paul Merson has told Chelsea manager Frank Lampard not to start against Kai Havertz in their weekend clash against Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues host Tottenham on Sunday knowing that a win would send them above Spurs in the table. Frank Lampard will have more options to choose from this weekend as he sees vital players return to the squad.

American winger Christian Pulisic has rejoined training and is available for the match against Spurs, while Kai Havertz has returned to training with the team after missing almost a month due to testing positive for Covid-19. (h/t Metro)

However, Paul Merson has said that Chelsea are better off trusting players that have repaid Lampard’s faith in the past few weeks and should not throw Kai Havertz into the mix yet despite the German international being available for selection.

“Chelsea have found the right blend upfront without Kai Havertz in the team and he might find himself on the fringes now. It’s so competitive there now that if you find yourself out of the team it could be hard to get back in.”

Merson also added that Havertz hadn’t produced anything special before testing positive for Covid-19 and that the youngster needs time to settle in the squad.

“They’ve had Tammy Abraham up front and Timo Werner playing wider, and it has suited them. It looks like their best system. Havertz wasn’t pulling up any trees before he missed those games. He’s a young lad who needs time to settle.”

The Arsenal legend later went on to add that Chelsea will test Spurs more than Manchester City did, and that Mourinho’s team should expect a whole new challenge against the Blues.

“Spurs did exactly what I thought against Manchester City and proved they are going to be contenders. But I actually think Chelsea will test them more. Chelsea will be more direct and have more pace.”

Chelsea take on Spurs in a 04:30 PM GMT kick-off on Sunday. Tottenham are second in the table after getting 20 points from their first 9 matches, but could be leapfrogged by Sunday’s hosts if they manage a win at Stamford Bridge.