Cape Town - Chelsea legend Dennis Wise is adamant a win over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday will give his former club a great chance of finishing the season within the top four teams.
Wise believes beating the north London rivals will go a long way towards turning it around for Chelsea, who have had a frustrating season which has been dominated by reports of rifts between manager Antonio Conte and the management of the club.
The Italian led the club to the English Premier League title in his first year working in England.
A win over Tottenham on Sunday will take Chelsea to within two points of their North London rivals.
"Of course it will. You have to look at the next few games - straight away, Spurs have to play Man City, and that's going to be a very difficult game," Wise told Premier League Daily.
"I think it's a big period for Conte. If we (Chelsea) can get the three points and close the gap to two, there is an opportunity for us to catch up if Spurs slip up against Man City."
The retired midfielder earned 261 appearance for Chelsea from 1990-2001.
"It's a big, big London rivalry between both teams and fans; always has been and always will be," Wise added.
"It is a big game for both teams; Spurs will be looking to at least get a draw and will be happy with that.
"Chelsea will be looking to win because they are five points behind Spurs."