Scott Parker: Spurs will come out fighting

Scott Parker has stressed the importance of playing with "fire in your belly" as Tottenham go into a crucial Premier League match with Chelsea tomorrow (Thursday).

Spurs host Chelsea and a win would secure a five-point lead over the Blues with a game in hand.

"You have to come out with fire in your belly and lay down a marker at the start of the game," the 31-year-old said. "How you start the match sets the tone for the rest of the game.

"I try to play my natural game and hope it inspires my teammates. When I see them flying into tackles it has an effect on me.

"If you start the game positively, it helps to motivate the team to kick on and get a result."

Tottenham are currently third in the Premier League with 34 points from 15 games.