We have lost to the side from north London just once in our past 41 meetings in SW6, but Alonso knows that record counts for nothing come kick-off on Saturday, when a new chapter in the rivalry will be written.

With the Blues targeting a third straight league success for the first time since the start of this year, and Tottenham hoping to pick up a second victory this week, there is plenty on the line. Alonso knows what to expect.

‘We need to have a very complete game,’ he said. ‘Offensively, defensively, mentality-wise going through difficult moments, as there will be moments for everything.

‘We need to prove again we can continue our run, knowing it’s a special game. We need to play with our head, heart, with intelligence but with passionate energy. We will need many things tomorrow.’

On Tottenham, Alonso added: ‘I’ve seen a good team even in bad results, so we’re expecting a tough game against good opposition who do many good things.

'We need to be prepared for what to do in different moments with the ball. It’s going to be game eight [in the Premier League this season], so it’s still early days for everything.’

The meeting with Tottenham is the first of three high-profile fixtures in quick succession. Next week we travel to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup fourth round before hosting Manchester United.

Alonso is excited for what is to come, and wants to see his side rise to the challenge and prove their credentials.

‘It was a matter of time until we had big games and this week we have three massive games against top clubs. This happens in the Premier League; this is not news. So we take it step by step, and we start tomorrow.’

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