Mauricio Pochettino believes Chelsea have the edge over Tottenham for Saturday’s derby due to his team’s European commitments.
The Blues’ poor form last season, when they finished 10th in the Premier League, means they are not involved in either the Champions League or the Europa League this season.
That means manager Antonio Conte has had a full week to prepare his team for the clash – unlike Spurs, who were knocked out of the Champions League when they were defeated at Monaco on Tuesday.
Asked about the benefit Chelsea have gained, Pochettino said: “I think it is obvious and nobody can be disappointed or upset with my idea.
“If you are a big team like Chelsea and you are not involved in European competition or cups, you have one week to prepare for a league game.
“Chelsea played Middlesbrough last Sunday and after that, they could focus on Tottenham, plan for it. [That is not the same] as playing in Monaco like us, or for another team who might be involved in the Europa League.
“We were playing on Tuesday and arrived late back in London. We cannot have one week to prepare so it is normal that the opponent has an advantage.
“But that is not an excuse for who wins or loses. We need to be ready because this is the nature of the competition.”
Pochettino added that star defender Toby Alderweireld was close to a return to action, though he said he did not expect the Belgian to feature at Stamford Bridge.
Alderweireld has not played since going off injured in the 1-1 draw at West Brom on October 15, and his knee injury has taken longer to heal than expected.
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