With both sides in desperate need for three points in order to save this season, the London derby at Stamford Bridge is set to be a fiery encounter.

Chelsea have benefited from the fact that everyone had regarded them to be out of the title race, with the Blues closing the gap behind Manchester United to just six points following the impressive run of results.

Having won last four Premier League games as well as the last five home games in the competition, the Blues are now 1.50 (1/2) with Paddy Power to beat Tottenham as well.

The Blues can put an extra pressure on United before their clash with Arsenal by winning this game, and there is no doubt the hosts will be looking to attack Spurs from the off.

Michael Essien should be fit to play despite picking up a minor knee injury against West Ham, whereas Carlo Ancelotti hinted that he would pair Fernando Torres and Didier Drogba in attack.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Cech – Ivanovic, Luiz, Terry, Cole – Essien, Ramires, Malouda, Lampard – Torres, Drogba.

What started as a remarkable season is threatening to turn into an utter disappointment for Tottenham, with the Spurs moving further away from the top 4 place.

Following the good performance in the 3:3 draw with Arsenal, Spurs were expected to beat West Brom and keep the pressure on Manchester City, but they conceded a late equalizer and are now four points adrift of the top 4 place.

Just like last season, Spurs will have a chance to decrease the gap and possible overturn City from the fourth place when they face the Citizens at Eastlands, so it is worth noting that Betfair pays 9.20 (41/5) on Tottenham to achieve a top 4 finish.

Harry Redknapp faces a real selection headache before the clash with Chelsea, since Vedran Corluka and Benoit Assou-Ekotto have joined the injury list, while Gareth Bale remains a doubt.

Alan Hutton, Jonathan Woodgate and Ledley King remain long-term casualties, meaning that Harry Redknapp will be forced to tinker with his formation.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-1-1): Gomes – Kaboul, Gallas, Dawson, Bassong – Lennon, Sandro, Huddlestone, Modric – van der Vaart – Crouch.