For the Blues, it is a crucial fixture in our quest to qualify for European football next season. Competing in all three UEFA competitions is still a possibility, depending on our and others’ results this week.

Tottenham, meanwhile, are still fighting for their Premier League lives. They know a point would all but guarantee their safety, avoiding the risk of taking the relegation battle to the final game.

There is plenty at stake, and McFarlane knows a Chelsea win could help strengthen the bond between his team and the Blues faithful.

‘Tottenham adds an extra incentive,’ he said. ‘Any London derby does. We want to put on a show for the fans. We want to perform at our best level at Stamford Bridge in front of the fans, in a London derby to get three points, to put ourselves in the best position to get European football.

‘We'll be doing everything we can to give the fans a positive performance and result.’

McFarlane acknowledged the appointment of Xabi Alonso in the build-up to the match could provide the players with extra motivation, but ultimately, their self-determination is what counts most.

‘These are top-level professionals, elite athletes that only get to this level by having a certain mindset, and they will want to win those two games regardless of whether there is a manager in place or not.

‘You saw at Liverpool and in the cup final that there's a professional pride there, and we need to tap into that.’