Gus Poyet believes Sunday's clash between Tottenham and Chelsea is massive for both clubs.

Since retiring from playing in 2006, the Uruguayan has lost none of his fondness for talking about the game, and the upcoming meeting of his former sides has the Brighton & Hove Albion manager particularly excited.

"The game will be fascinating encounter and one which could have massive implications on both team's seasons," Poyet told the Tottenham Journal. "Chelsea started the campaign like a house on fire, but have struggled in recent weeks without stars like John Terry and Frank Lampard.

"I think people have really overlooked the absence of these players, which is unfair. Chelsea will return to form soon, there's no doubt about that, especially with JT [John Terry] back to captain them.

"Tottenham meanwhile found it a little bit difficult at the start of the season to juggle their Champions League and Premier League commitments. Now though, they are flying and I can't see this being anything other than a great match.

"I watched Spurs in a few recent games against Arsenal and Liverpool and they were outstanding. They are playing some great football."