Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino says Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham can win the Premier League ahead of his "special" return to his former club.
The Argentine left Spurs four years ago after five glorious seasons in north London, culminating in reaching the Champions League final in 2019.
Spurs have faced constant disappointment since his sacking later that year, but have regained their aura under new management.
Asked whether Postecoglou could guide Spurs to the title this season, he said: "Yes. I think so. They are doing a fantastic job.
"Ange and the other coaches, they are doing a fantastic job. Very good players, very good team and you can feel they can be a contender.
"It is early in the season but they are showing the quality to be a contender."
Pochettino faces being booed by Spurs supporters in the London derby as manager of Chelsea, one of their biggest rivals.
It doesn't, however, impact the affection he feels for his former employers with whom he had a "special" bond.
He continued: "It's really special [to return] because coming back after four years to a place we have amazing memories and created amazing memories together, I think it is special. I cannot lie.
"The moment I left the club, it was a difficult situation, a difficult moment. Now, we have the opportunity to come back and see people who are still working there, a good chance for us, and it's going to be an exciting moment.
"The most important thing is people know we cannot forget what we lived together. Amazing memories and then I'm going to respect the people, [however] they're going to express [themselves].
"It won't change my emotions [if I'm booed], or my view, my feelings about a club where we spent an unbelievable journey."
Chelsea could do with a win to keep pace with Tottenham having fallen 14 points behind them and into 11th place in the Premier League table.
They have welcomed Mykhailo Mudryk back to the first-team training but hope to also have Armando Broja available, while captain Reece James will be assessed on his ability to start the match.
"Now we need to assess him to see if he's ready to start or not on Monday," he said of James, before explaining Broja's situation: "Maybe he will be available to be on the bench for Monday. He is training today and hope he can be involved."
