English Premier League: Tottenham make the short trip to Stamford Bridge

League leaders Chelsea will be confident of making light work of Spurs

LONDON: Chelsea defender Gary Cahill claims his side's superior mental strength could be the decisive factor in the Premier League title race.

Jose Mourinho's team host London rivals Tottenham on Wednesday and will be looking to cement their place at the top of the table after extending their unbeaten run in all competitions to 20 matches with a goalless draw at Sunderland at the weekend.

That stalemate at the Stadium of Light marked the first time Chelsea failed to score this season and only the third time they failed to take all three points from a league fixture in the current campaign.

But, rather than dwell on those negatives, England international Cahill took heart from the way Chelsea went toe to toe with fired-up Sunderland, praising his side’s mental toughness. “I think we are a different side to last year, not just personnel, but mentally I think we are different," said Cahill. “They made it a scrap, but we matched that and managed to play our football as well. When teams sit back and get back in that shape, it's very tough. We saw that last year and this was no different.”

Chelsea’s top scorer, Diego Costa, is suspended for the clash, but Mourinho feels there is no point in complaining as he has Loic Remy and Didier Drogba at his disposal. “We don't cry about injured or suspended players. He is suspended so he can rest and be ready for Newcastle at the weekend,” said Mourinho. “We will use Remy and Drogba against Tottenham. They will have the opportunity to start the game.”

Tottenham have failed to win any of their previous 27 visits to the Bridge in all competitions; a run stretching back to Gary Lineker's late winner in west London in February 1990.

But Spurs striker Harry Kane is hopeful of a win. “We're coming off three wins in a row now in all competitions, so we'll take that confidence into the game,” said Kane. “We're looking to get the result. Obviously Chelsea are going to be trying to do the same at home, but they are missing their main man up front. So they have to change a few things, and we're feeling good.”

Arsenal host the Saints

Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck hopes to maintain the momentum generated by his match-winning header at West Bromwich Albion when highflying Southampton visit the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.

Welbeck’s strike was his first goal in seven games, a timely reminder as he attempts to retain his position following the return to fitness of Olivier Giroud.

“It gives the manager a good headache and he’s got a lot of options going forward. Going into the games, everybody's going to be giving 100%,” he said.

Southampton remain third despite defeat against City and Wenger knows they will pose a testing challenge.