Chelsea interim boss Calum McFarlane has now issued a warning to Tottenham Hotspur ahead of the two sides’ meeting on Tuesday night.
Tottenham Hotspur will certainly be feeling better about their chances of survival following West Ham United’s defeat to Newcastle United.
That loss leaves the Hammers two points behind the Lilywhites despite having played a game more. Spurs, though, remain favourites to beat the drop according to the latest predictions and need just a single point from their next two games.
A clash against London rivals Chelsea is next for Tottenham, with the Blues also still fighting for something as they continue their push for European football.
Chelsea boss sends warning ahead of Tottenham clash
Chelsea are not in the best form at the moment and come into the game against Tottenham off the back of an FA Cup final defeat.
That is not the sort of Chelsea side West Ham United will want facing Spurs, as the Hammers need a major favour from the West London side in their own battle for survival.
Tottenham are well aware of their struggles at Stamford Bridge, where they have won just once in Premier League history. It is a huge derby game, and the last thing Chelsea will want is Spurs celebrating survival on their own turf.
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Speaking in his pre-match press conference, caretaker boss Calum McFarlane admitted Chelsea were disappointed with the defeat to Manchester City, but insisted his side remains fully focused on the clash against Tottenham.
He labelled the upcoming match against Spurs as “massive” for Chelsea, and Tottenham will want to do their best to stay focused.
“Yeah it’s hard at this moment in time to think like that (it was an encouraging performance) because of the recent form and losing a cup final, but I felt we went toe-to-toe with one of the best teams in the world and I thought there was very little between the sides,” McFarlane said.
“We know what this team’s capable of, they need to produce that on a more consistent basis and they’ve shown that this year that when they’re at their best they’re a very difficult side to play against.
“You’re asking an interim coach what the implications for the club are going to be (of not qualifying for Europe), I’m not privy to that information, my job is to prepare the team for games and training, which I’ll be doing on Tuesday for Spurs, which is a massive game for this club.”
Spurs face difficult test at Stamford Bridge
It certainly is not a case of Chelsea having nothing to play for in the Premier League. Despite their FA Cup defeat, the Blues can still qualify for Europe this season.
A win against Spurs would significantly boost their chances and leave them with plenty to fight for heading into the final day of the campaign.
With European football still on the line for Chelsea, Tottenham must be ready for a battle as they look to secure their Premier League status.