Chelsea Mata warns Bale is a man to watch

Chelsea playmaker Juan Mata revealed his side should find a way to contain Tottenham’s Gareth Bale in order to get something from Wednesday’s London derby.

Chelsea will host cross-town rivals Spurs in what will be the crucial game in the battle for a top-four spot. Tottenham hope their star Gareth Bale, who has been voted PFA Player of Year, can make the difference. Villas-Boas’ men need a victory in order to live up their hopes of qualifying for Champions League.

Mata is determined his side should keep a close eye on the Welsh wizard in order to guarantee they will secure the victory in the pivotal match.

The Spaniard said: “Obviously, it’s a vital game for both teams and we’ll have to watch one of the best players in the world in Gareth Bale. He is in amazing shape and process to be a decisive player for Spurs almost every week. I congratulate him for all his recent awards.

“We now play against Tottenham on Wednesday which is going to be a final again. It’s going to be tough but I think we can make it and seal our place in next season’s Champions League,” he added.