Xabi Alonso has urged Chelsea to have “good emotional control” when they host Tottenham in the Premier League, to not let the occasion get away from them.
After a shaky run of form before the international break, Chelsea have steadied the ship since returning to action earlier this month, winning both of their games.
Chelsea sit fourth in the Premier League table and are looking to win three consecutive top-flight games for the first time since a run of four in January/February.
Recent form against Spurs suggests that will be possible, as the Blues have won each of their last six league games against the north London side, their joint-longest-ever winning league run against them (also six between January 2000 and March 2002).
Spurs have only won one of their last 36 league visits to Stamford Bridge (D11 L24) but have picked up only two points since that 3-1 win in 2017-18 (D2 L6).
And Alonso is looking forward to his first taste of the rivalry.
“Every derby is special; you feel the energy and excitement from the stands,” he said.
“We need to use that energy on the pitch because we need to connect well. We need to have good emotional control as well because there is a lot of passion and commitment from both sides.
“Playing football with heart is what we want.
“I knew about [the six-match winning streak], but it is another game. We need to prove again that we can continue that run, and knowing it is a special game, so we need to play with heart, head and intelligence.”
Up next: Tottenham Hotspur visit on Saturday. https://t.co/lV89PFa4Ui
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Last time out against Everton, Chelsea kept their first Premier League clean sheet in 23 games, but they have not recorded back-to-back shutouts since December last season.
It will be Mike Penders starting in goal against Spurs, with Emiliano Martinez sidelined through injury after being stretchered off in their last match.
“He is ready,” Alonso said when asked about Penders. “He has been training well, played a couple of cup games where he has showed he has a good level.
“In a few minutes against Everton, he showed his personality and qualities. That’s why we have a squad for these situations, and we are fully convinced Mike can play very well.
“We wanted to have the best possible options, so we moved for Emi [in the summer transfer window]. Mike is a keeper for now and for the future, learning with an experienced keeper like Emi. We are happy with Mike; he is prepared.”
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