Stage set for massive London derby

Chelsea gearing up to host Tottenham at Stamford Bridge Credit: PA

Stamford Bridge is getting ready for what will be a huge game -- crucial for the Champions League qualifying hopes of both Chelsea and Tottenham.

Harry Redknapp admits his team, who haven't won in four league games, will be at a disadvantage when they face off against the Blues later because Spurs' foreign players do not grasp the history and importance of what a London derby means to the club.

Tottenham's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League will take a hit if they lose today. Chelsea sit one place and five points below them in the Barclays Premier League.

The rivalry between the two clubs has been simmering ever since both were established, and the Blues have dominated the battle between the two teams in recent history, having not lost to their neighbours at home since 1990.

But Chelsea have their own fears ahead of the game. Roberto Di Matteo has claimed the Football Association and Premier League could be harming the Blues' Champions League chances by making them play three days before European games.

His team travel to Benfica on Tuesday barely 72 hours after today's Premiership game against Tottenham while, in stark contrast, the Primeira Liga moved the Portuguese club's game at Olhanense back to last night.

Asked if allowing teams to play league and FA Cup matches on a Friday ahead of European games should be looked into, caretaker Blues manager Di Matteo said: "Absolutely, yes. Absolutely, yes."