Frank Lampard has urged Chelsea not to give Arsenal fresh hope in the race for a Premier League top-four spot on Tuesday night.
The Gunners travel to Stamford Bridge in 10th place, looking to reduce a 10-point gap on the Blues in fourth.
Lampard insists Mikel Arteta’s side will not be out of contention if they lose but warned his side not to allow them to create new momentum as both clubs seek to reach the Champions League.
“Any team that puts strong runs together, the picture can change quickly,” said Lampard, whose side’s top-four hopes suffered a blow with a 1-0 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday.
“So, no, [a win won’t rule Arsenal out of a top-four place]. They are some points behind us but if they win they will feel they can close the gap on us.
“That is why it’s not better to look around too much, and worry about ourselves. That was a physical game at Newcastle, so we’ll see in terms of selection how it feels. But in terms of Arsenal, we played them recently and we will talk about them a lot. Maybe do some light stuff on them, but there isn’t much physical we can do.”
Isaac Hayden scored a 94th-minute winner for Newcastle in a game which the Blues dominated but failed to cause sufficient problems.
Lampard is seeking “more goals from the front line” whether that comes from his own squad or via the transfer market but outgoings are likely to happen first, with Inter Milan hoping to sign Victor Moses and Olivier Giroud this month.
