DEFENDER Ricardo Carvalho has said that beating teams like Spurs is essential for a club of Chelsea's stature.

The West London side were shocked to lose to their north London rivals in the Carling Cup final at Wembley earlier this month.

But they have a chance to make that up tonight as the teams clash at White Hart Lane.

"We suffered a big blow when we lost to Tottenham in the Carling Cup final" the Blues centre back told the Mirror.

"Of course, we want to make up for that and show people what we are capable of."

The meeting is the first of two London derbies for the Blues, who face title rivals Arsenal on Saturday.

And Carvalho (pictured) has made it clear that his team must take maximum points if they are to maintain their Premier League title bid.

He said: "These two derbies are decisive for us. If we get the six points then we will put the pressure on Manchester United in the race for the title.

"We cannot afford to fail now. We know that the Tottenham and Arsenal games are so important because it will put us back in touch with the leaders."

Victory in both of these and favourable results elsewhere would see Chelsea overhaul their rivals to sit at the summit of the Premier League.

However, Carvalho revealed that the Chelsea camp is not as insular as their famous seige mentality might suggest and points to the recent shock FA Cup defeat against Barnsley as an example.

"In the FA Cup some people lost belief in us and that did affect our confidence, of course" he said.

"We have suffered badly in the two cup competitions, but have come back strongly and fought like lions in every match since.

"If we win these two games we will be back in the title race, believing we can win it.

"We are as dangerous and as strong as ever, and determined to win a trophy this season.

"We know for a club like Chelsea it would be a failure not to win a major title."