Nicolas Anelka's not afraid of Jermain Defoe factor ahead of showdown

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Chelsea have won all their matches this term and are top of the Premier League with 15 points. Spurs are just three points behind them after making an impressive start to the campaign.

Defoe has already scored eight goals for club and country this season and has given Spurs fans high hopes of challenging Chelsea and the rest of the big four this term.

Yet Anelka said: "Defoe is on fire for club and country but our defenders will stop him. He is a great striker but our defence is one of the best in England.

"I don't see why they can't challenge for a place in the top four. They have big players and anything is possible but they will be behind Chelsea."

There was a time when Chelsea appeared to be guaranteed three points against their north London rivals every time they played them but Spurs have reversed the trend.After going 16 years without a victory over the Blues in the League, Spurs have dented their title hopes since 2006.

They beat them for the first time in the Premier League in November 2006, secured a 4-4 draw in March 2008 and took four points off them last season.

Spurs also secured a 2-1 victory in the Carling Cup Final last year and the recent downturn has given Florent Malouda great motivation to re-establish Chelsea's superiority.

Malouda said: "Every time we play them, they are always on their best form. We know it's going to be hard but we're playing for first place at home and it's important to keep on winning.

"We all watched their game against Manchester United. They have started the season very well, even though they lost the match.

"They have a very strong squad, a striker on fire in Defoe and Sebastian Bassong has given them an energy. That has helped them make a better start than last season. But if Defoe comes past me, then I'm not worried because the defence will stop him."