(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) london - Chelsea will face their biggest test of the season against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday, manager Antonio Conte said as his team chase Premier League history.
Chelsea, who finished 10th in the league last season, are five points clear at the top and will arrive at White Hart Lane seeking to better Arsenal's record of 13 consecutive victories in a season.
"It's another challenge, another type of football to face (from Stoke) because Tottenham like to play from the back. They like to put a lot of pressure on when you are in possession," Conte said.
"We have to prepare very well because this game for sure will be very, very tough for us, but also for them. For sure (this match) is the biggest test. I think for us now every game is the biggest test."
Chelsea showed great resilience in their 4-2 win over Stoke City but Conte expected a different challenge from their next opponents.
"Tottenham is a good team. Last season they could have won the title and this season they have a stronger team. For sure we will see a good game," the Italian added.
Tottenham will have revenge in mind when they tackle the record-chasing Premier League leaders beneath the White Hart Lane floodlights on Wednesday.
Chelsea came from behind to win 2-1 when the teams last met in November, but it is last May's 2-2 draw between the London rivals, which ended Spurs' title hopes, that will be uppermost in the hosts' thoughts.
With Chelsea seeking to pull eight points clear at the summit and pursuing a 14th straight win - an unprecedented feat within a single English top-flight season - the boot is now on the other foot.
"Maybe we will feel how Leicester felt last season, when all the teams were with them and against us," said Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino, citing the team who pipped his side to glory last season.
"Maybe now we are Leicester."
Tottenham's 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge in November completed a run of one win in 10 matches in all competitions that suggested they would struggle to repeat last season's exploits.
But since then Pochettino's side have rediscovered their rhythm, winning five of their last six league games and scoring 18 goals in the process.
They welcome Chelsea to north London 10 points behind the leaders, but seeking a fifth successive league victory. Sunday's 4-1 win at Watford, which followed a 4-1 success at Southampton, briefly took Spurs into the top four, only for Manchester City to supplant them by beating Burnley on Monday.
Dele Alli is the Premier League's form midfielder, having scored five goals in his last three games, and he will not be satisfied with anything but victory against Chelsea.
"We're in good form and we've got good confidence," the England midfielder told Spurs club website after the New Year's Day victory at Vicarage Road.
"It's a good atmosphere in the changing room."
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