Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has branded Saturday's clash with Manchester City "a six-pointer", with the German refusing to play down the importance of the contest.
The Blues are currently top of the Premier League table, three points clear of fifth-placed Man City, as the two sides prepare to lock horns in the English capital.
Tuchel has insisted that this weekend's clash will not be decisive, but the Chelsea manager said that there was "no need to play it down" despite the fixture taking place early in the campaign.
"It's a six-pointer between two teams who are rivals for top four or the best outcome possible. Any team can, of course, steal three points from a direct competitor. Does it change anything? No, but there's no need to play it down," Tuchel told reporters.
"We could play a draw, though. Things will be tough and I mean that. They are the benchmark for many years now and I am very happy we're able to produce this kind of performance and result consistently. We need to prove we can deliver with the same consistency.
"City are the benchmark. We have to stay hungry and close the gap. This is what we have to do for 90 minutes. It's a marathon, not a sprint."
Chelsea have won their last three matches against Man City in all competitions, including a 1-0 victory in the Champions League final at the end of May.
Matt Law
