Few people know the Tottenham Hotspur vs. Chelsea rivalry better than former midfielder Gus Poyet. The Uruguayan spent four years at Stamford Bridge before joining Spurs in 2001, scoring 23 goals. He later returned as a coach and helped beat Chelsea in the 2008 League Cup final. Ahead of Saturday’s 5.30 pm kickoff, Poyet visited Hotspur Way to preview the game.

Speaking before the trip, Poyet admitted the fixture feels bigger today than in his Chelsea days. He explained:

“This game is becoming bigger and bigger. I did not have that feeling when I was at Chelsea, I have to be honest.”

Poyet noted that Tottenham’s long winless run at Stamford Bridge first turned up the heat. That tension then boiled over during several fiery clashes.

Looking back at how the fixture changed, Poyet pointed to the heated games under former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino. He added:

“Then it got bigger and bigger with the record, and then even bigger in Mauricio Pochettino time, with the fights!”

Matches between the two London clubs rarely pass without drama or heavy tackles. Roberto De Zerbi’s side will walk into a loud stadium on Saturday.

Poyet Calls For Controlled Aggression And Focus At Stamford Bridge

To win in West London, Poyet believes Spurs must match Chelsea’s physical edge without losing their heads. He said:

“So, now you need to play it like a derby, and in a derby you need to be super aggressive, you know, stay within the limits, and concentrate at all times.”

Discipline is key after Spurs picked up a red card at Old Trafford. Keeping eleven men on the pitch is vital.

Above all, Poyet warned that Tottenham cannot afford a single second of sloppy defending against the Blues.

“That is vital. Chelsea can score goals for fun,” He said.

Coming off Monday’s 3-1 win over Coventry City, Spurs will look to pair their confidence with the sharp focus Poyet demands. A disciplined display at Stamford Bridge could give Tottenham a big away win.