Juan Mata praises Gareth Bale impact

Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata has insisted that his side will have to do all that they can to lessen the impact of Tottenham Hotspur winger Gareth Bale on Wednesday night.

The Blues host Spurs at Stamford Bridge in a fixture that is likely to play a pivotal part in both team's quest for a Champions League place, and Mata has admitted that Bale has the ability to have a decisive impact on the match.

The 24-year-old wrote in his blog, grada360.com: "We are aware that there's still a job to do. Obviously, it's a vital game for both teams and we will have to watch one of the best players in the world: Gareth Bale.

"He is in an amazing shape and proves to be a decisive player for Spurs almost every week. I take this opportunity to congratulate him for all his recent awards."

Mata's netted with a deflected effort to earn Chelsea a late 1-0 victory over Manchester United on Sunday.