Mauricio Pochettino’s eagerly awaited return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is taking an unexpected turn. Instead of being celebrated as the home manager after a four-year absence, he’ll be in the away dugout, leading Chelsea, Tottenham’s fierce London rivals.

This twist would have been hard to digest for Tottenham fans if not for the remarkable resurgence engineered by Australian manager Ange Postecoglou. His efforts have not only reinvigorated the North London club but have also put an end to years of longing for Pochettino’s return. The sweet irony lies in Chelsea’s concurrent struggles.

In their relatively short tenures with their respective London teams, Postecoglou and Pochettino have experienced contrasting fortunes. Monday night represents a significant juncture in both their journeys.

Both managers inherited teams in disarray, burdened with unhappy and disjointed squads that had underperformed under previous leadership. Their immediate focus was on fostering unity and cohesion, and they seem to have achieved that goal.

Pochettino highlighted the importance of squad unity, stating that a united squad is crucial for success. At Tottenham, newly-appointed club captain Son Heung-min emphasized the sense of family and togetherness that now exists within the team.

However, their paths diverge from this point. Postecoglou has rapidly transformed Tottenham into Premier League contenders, playing an attacking style reminiscent of Pochettino’s tenure. Meanwhile, Pochettino’s return to Chelsea has been marked by challenges.

The team endured its worst start to a season in 45 years amidst injuries and struggles, eventually recovering under his guidance, only to face setbacks like a discouraging home defeat to Brentford.

Pochettino’s task of integrating numerous new signings after a massive player turnover has been daunting, while Postecoglou benefited from a more stable squad and made targeted signings like James Maddison. Chelsea, on the other hand, had to cope with an influx of young and unproven players, making instant cohesion difficult.

Furthermore, Chelsea’s turmoil in the 2022-23 season, both on and off the field, added to the challenges Pochettino faced.

In contrast, Postecoglou’s signings, including Maddison, Micky van de Ven, Guglielmo Vicario, and returning loanee Destiny Udogie, hit the ground running, defying the usual uncertainties of transfer deals.

The expectations and pressures of managing Chelsea and Tottenham are markedly different. Spurs fans now seem content with entertaining, attacking football, regardless of tangible success, whereas Chelsea’s model demands quick success, attractive football, and silverware each season.

Pochettino bears this heavy burden at Chelsea, while Postecoglou in North London enjoys the freedom to shape his team without the weight of lofty expectations. The Australian manager may have defied expectations initially, but a victory over Pochettino could potentially raise the bar.

Chelsea performance and stats

Chelsea is currently 13th in the Premier League with 12 points.

In the last 10 games, it has won 3 times, drawn 3 times, and lost 4 times. In its last match, Chelsea lost 0-2 against Brentford.​​

It has a positive goal difference after scoring 13 goals and conceding 11.​

Chelsea will play the next match in Premier League against Tottenham Hotspur on Monday 6th of November in London. The prediction is Tottenham Hotspur winning the match.​

Tottenham Hotspur performance and stats

Tottenham Hotspur is currently 2nd in the Premier League with 26 points.

In the last 10 games, it has won 8 times and drawn twice. In its last match, Tottenham Hotspur won 1-2 against Crystal Palace.​​

It has a positive goal difference after scoring 22 goals and conceding 9.​

Tottenham Hotspur will play the next match in Premier League against Chelsea on Monday 6th of November in London. The prediction is Tottenham Hotspur winning the match.​