Former Chelsea star Graeme Le Saux admits the club's immediate future hinges on tonight's game with Tottenham.

Chelsea must avoid defeat to maintain their Champions League qualification hopes.

Le Saux told the London Evening Standard: "This is a massive encounter for Chelsea and Spurs. This game is not quite as definitive as the Chelsea- Liverpool game I was involved in because there are two games left after this one, but it will still have a huge bearing on the future.

"For a team of Chelsea's status, the club will expect them to be qualifying for the Champions League. The reality is because of inconsistency, Chelsea have left it late and they're still not there yet. The Champions League is massively important for the club and also the players because they all want to play on that fantastic stage.

"When it comes to signings, top players will always want to play in the top competitions. There is an attraction to play in the Premier League but also the top one in Europe. It does attract a certain type of player."