Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech believes his team-mates' experience of the Champions League will help tilt the balance in their favour in the battle for fourth place in the Premier League table.

16076 - Cech fires warning to Tottenham

Spurs looked a near-certainty for a spot in the Champions League next season only two weeks ago - but could be leapfrogged by Chelsea following the meeting between the London rivals at the weekend.

That would represent another feather in the cap of interim boss Roberto di Matteo, who has a 100% record from his four matches in the hotseat thus far.

And Cech feels that Chelsea's Champions League history - they have qualified for the competition every season since 2003 - will carry them over the line ahead of Spurs.

Asked if past experience gave the Blues the edge, Cech said: "I think [so], yes. We have been together through so many situations in eight years and a lot of people here remember those, so we have the benefit of the experience of that.

"We seem to cope with the difficult situations quite well so, hopefully, this experience we've got throughout the years will help us reach our targets. We are approaching these next two games with confidence now."

Meanwhile, Cech has talked up the influence Di Matteo has had at Stamford Bridge since taking over from Andre Villas-Boas. "He understood quickly what he had in the team," Cech said.

"He is a Chelsea legend and you can see the reception he gets around here - it makes a difference. The atmosphere at the stadium is a lot more positive. When you get results, the mood around the camp changes."