Sandro ready for Chelsea challenge

Tottenham midfielder Sandro said beating Chelsea on Thursday will give his side the belief to mount a genuine title challenge this season.

Doubts were raised about Spurs’ title credentials after a 2-1 defeat away to Stoke last weekend, but Sunday’s 1-0 home win over Sunderland saw Harry Redknapp’s men leapfrog Chelsea back to third.

After the match, the Brazilian said he was delighted to make his first home league start after injury.

“I think the game went well for us,” he told reporters.

““It was a very hard game, but the win is important.”

“It was my first Premier League game at White Hart Lane this season, so I was very happy to play and get the win.”

Spurs’ attentions will now turn to the visit of Chelsea, where a positive result could prove decisive in the race for a top-four finish.

But Sandro is adamant he and his team-mates are capable of going beyond their pre-season remit to mount a legitimate challenge for the title, and believes a win over Andre Villas-Boas’ men will give Spurs the confidence to realise their potential.

“Yes (We can win the title],” he said.

“Why not? All our players are very good, we have a strong team and a very good bench, so why not?”

“Chelsea will be a very difficult game, but being at home is good for us, because our supporters are very good and are helping us.”

“I think if we win this game our confidence will go up and up.”

The match may well pit Sandro against fellow Brazilians and close friends Ramires and David Luiz, but the Spurs man insists there will be no friendships on the pitch.

“I’m close to Ramires and David Luiz,” he said.

“I meet up with them occasionally and know them from the national team. But we’re not friends on the pitch!”