Frank Lampard: Tottenham game pivotal to Chelsea’s top-four hopes

Frank Lampard believes Chelsea’s showdown with Tottenham at Stamford Bridge next month is likely to be the decisive game in the top-four race.

The Blues travel to Old Trafford on Sunday looking to keep their bid for Champions League qualification on track, with the west Londoners third in the Premier League table with four games left to play.

Tottenham, who host Southampton on Saturday, are currently fifth behind Arsenal and three points adrift of Chelsea.

And although Lampard concedes that Sunday’s clash at Old Trafford is a crucial fixture for Rafael Benítez’s men, the 34-year-old believes that the Spurs clash on 8 May will be make-or-break for both sides.

“You could say the game against Manchester United is pivotal, but I think it is really down to the Tottenham game,” Lampard is quoted as saying by the Sun.

“I think it will go to the wire but if we get the right results against United and Tottenham we’ll put ourselves in a healthy position.

“The Champions League is the test of the best and the main target, but I want to win the Europa League as well.”