Former Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood has said that Chelsea have every chance of fighting for the Premier League title this season as long as their most important players stay fit and ready for selection.
The Blues have made an impressive start to the season having lost just one of their opening nine matches, and sit third in the table behind Liverpool and Sunday's opponents Spurs.
The club made a number of high-profile signings over the summer in order to supplement Frank Lampard's squad for the season ahead, with the likes of Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, Edouard Mendy and Thiago Silva all joining the Blues.
The latter two have been among the side's most important players so far this campaign, helping Chelsea to register eight clean sheets from 15 games in all competitions.
Sherwood believes that the pair, along with other key members of the squad such as N'Golo Kante, need to avoid injuries and other setbacks in order for the west London club to have a chance of domestic success this season.
When asked if Chelsea can win the league this season, Sherwood told Optus Sport: "I think they can. I think anyone that finishes above Liverpool, I think they win the league.
"They have to keep their key men fit. I think their key men are Werner, Kante has to play, and the goalkeeper [Mendy] has to be there all the time, and Thiago Silva has to play the majority of games."
The Blues will face a tough test on Sunday against fellow fast starters Spurs, who lead the way in the Premier League with 20 points from nine matches.
Despite his north London allegiances, Sherwood predicted a draw for the game, backing Jose Mourinho to employ similar tactics to those that saw Spurs earn an impressive victory against Manchester City in their last outing.
"I think Tottenham just soak it in as they’ve been doing, Chelsea have all the possession," he added.
"Tottenham score first, hold onto something, Chelsea score late, 1-1."
