SUMMER DEALS HAVE CONTE & C0 IN FRONT OF RIVALS SAYS POYET

GUS POYET has run the rule over former clubs Chelsea and Tottenham ahead of their clash today — and the Uruguayan believes the game is more vital for one than the other.

Poyet, currently manager of the Greek national team, said: “It’s a bigger game for Chelsea than for Spurs.

“Chelsea need to do business to not stand still. Spurs have done that, so you would expect them to move forward.

“I really like what Spurs are doing. From the moment Antonio Conte arrived, I knew it was a matter of really backing him.

“They’re doing specific business. This is the key. They are not just signing players; they are getting characteristics the manager wants. I’m still thinking they’re going to bring one or two names in.

“Spurs this year have got a bigger and better squad. Last year there was a starting XI plus two or three.

“This year it’s going to be closer to 22 players that could start any game.

“Everybody knows at Spurs how difficult it is to bring a striker in because of Harry Kane.

“Most No.9s end up leaving. But Richarlison’s got a big advantage as he can also play out wide in a three. He’s a great addition.

“And if they are very unlucky with injury with Harry Kane, he’s a proper No.9 who has played for Brazil in that position.”

Poyet feels Chelsea have made “very good signings” but that more new faces are needed.

“They lost Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger and now Malang Sarr,” he said. “If you play three at the back, normally you need to have six. “Kalidou Koulibaly is perfect. At the moment it’s Trevoh Chalobah, Thiago Silva, Koulibaly, Cesar Azpilicueta and, I don’t know, Marc Cucurella? It looks like they need more than two signings.” Timo Werner – now back at RB Leipzig – endured a miserable stay at Stamford Bridge but Poyet feels the German was unfortunate.

He said: “Timo was needed when he was signed. Then they changed to be more in control of games.

“Werner is a specific player to play on the break because he’s speedy and direct. Chelsea’s new style was not suited for him.”

Now there are rumours, amid Barcelona’s financial chaos, that their striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang might be on Chelsea’s radar. Poyet would approve.

He said: “Lukaku left – they need a No.9. If the manager thinks he’s the No.9 that he needs, perfect. He knows, he’s managed him before.

“Aubameyang is a top scorer.”