Alan Curbishley is shocked by the mini-League crisis that has left Chelsea bottom

Nor will it be because they lost at home and away to Liverpool. It will be because their record against their capital rivals this season is abysmal.

Chelsea currently boast the worst record in London derbies this campaign with a measly three points from five games.

It has left them adrift at the bottom of the unofficial London League with their next three games - West Ham away tomorrow; Fulham at home and the trip to Arsenal - to come in their following three matches.

Much of the damage was done before Hiddink arrived in February because under previous boss Luiz Felipe Scolari Chelsea drew against Tottenham, West Ham and Fulham and lost at home to Arsenal.

But even Hiddink, who has rejuvenated the club's fortunes since he took over, has failed to reverse the trend as Spurs beat Chelsea at White Hart Lane five weeks ago.

Alan Curbishley knows all about the atmosphere that surrounds London matches having managed at Upton Park and Charlton and admits he has been left shocked by Chelsea's struggles. He feels they will now live to regret falling short against their city neighbours on so many occasions.

Curbishley said: "It has affected their title challenge and they will look back on the defeat to Tottenham last month in particular and think that is what cost them.

"It has surprised me that Chelsea have struggled against London clubs as much as they have. I never thought they'd be bottom of that mini-League."

At Charlton, Curbishley did the double over Chelsea in the 2000-01 and 2001-02 campaigns and inflicted a very costly 4-2 defeat in December 2003 which damaged their title hopes.

The 51-year-old didn't enjoy as much luck at West Ham and last year was on the receiving end of a 4-0 drubbing at home.

"Normally Chelsea would be at the top as they haven't been beaten by the other London clubs on too many occasions in recent seasons," he added. "It shows how tough it is to win these games because of the atmospheres and the commitment."

Curbishley is certain West Ham supporters will be hoping their side hand Chelsea a defeat to ensure they lose even more ground.

He added: "They would like that, I'm sure. I was always aware how much the fans of Charlton and West Ham wanted to beat Chelsea.

"I did it with Charlton on a few occasions. Playing Chelsea now is such a big match that everyone raises their game. Chelsea have demonstrated over the last month how powerful a group they are, they won't change the way they set themselves up.

"But this is a big game for both sides. If West Ham can get the points it will keep them in seventh position and up for a European spot."

Curbishley was speaking at the opening of the Hall Place Sports Pavilion in Bexley, which the Football Foundation helped fund with a £1million grant.

The London league

How well London's Premier League clubs have done against each other this season . . .

Tottenham P 8 W 3 D 4 L 1 Pts 13
Arsenal P 7 W 2 D 4 L 1 Pts 10
Fulham P 7 W 2 D 3 L 2 Pts 9
West HamP 7 W 2 D 2 L 3 Pts 8
Chelsea P 5 W 0 D 3 L 2 Pts 3

Chelsea's results: Chelsea 1 Tottenham 1, Chelsea 1 Arsenal 2, Chelsea 1 W Ham 1, Fulham 2 Chelsea 2, Tottenham 1 Chelsea 0

Chelsea's remaining derbies: Saturday: West Ham (a), 2 May Fulham (h), 10 May Arsenal (a)