Joe Cole admits he is feeling "nervous" for former club Chelsea ahead of their crunch Premier League showdown with Tottenham Hotspur this weekend.
Frank Lampard's Blues take on Jose Mourinho's Spurs at Stamford Bridge on Sunday (4.30pm) in a hotly-anticipated fixture between the London rivals.
Tottenham are top of the table after nine games - just ahead of reigning champions Liverpool on goal difference - while Chelsea are two points behind in third position.
Spurs laid down a marker last weekend as they saw off last season's runners-up Manchester City 2-0.
And Cole told Coral and JOE Media’s All to Play For podcast: "I’m nervous.
"There seems to be something tangible changing at Tottenham.
"They look like a team that’s got a little bit of strength of character now. The manager would’ve implemented that no doubt.
"He’s cracked the whip, signings have been good, he’s got everyone on board."
To underline his point, Cole highlighted Mourinho buying full-back Sergio Regulion a £500 leg of ham following the Man City game.
The Spurs boss posted a picture on Istagram along with the caption: "A promise is a promise. It cost me £500 but I keep my promises."
Some reports suggested it was Reguilon's reward for keeping City winger Riyad Mahrez at bay.
"That little touch he done with Reguilon where he said to him, ‘If you stop (Riyad) Mahrez dribbling past you I’ll buy you a leg of ham’, little things like that," Cole added.
Spurs have won five games in a row in all competitions and have not lost in the league since the opening day defeat to Everton.
Chelsea are in good form themselves, though, winning their last six outings. Their only loss this term came against Liverpool on September 20.
