Di Matteo on FA Cup final, Chelsea vs Spurs and the next Blues manager

"This competition is huge, it’s watched all over the world, it’s a route into European football under normal circumstances.

"It’s a big, big competition which can be rewarding for a club in so many ways. You can attract bigger players off the back of winning competitions like this.

"For me, it’s a 50-50 game this weekend. It’s a final, it’s one game, and Chelsea have shown they can beat anybody on their day.

"They have a decent record against Man City, so who knows? I’m sure it’s going to be a good game.

"But Chelsea should see this as a great opportunity to kickstart something. It’s a big event, and I’m confident they’ll turn up for it."

Chelsea vs Spurs relegation odds

London derby could shape end to Premier League season

Chelsea’s meeting with Tottenham is carrying extra weight this season, with pressure surrounding both clubs heading into the run-in. A win for Chelsea would keep Spurs deep in relegation trouble as they remain just two points above West Ham in the battle to survive.

"The Spurs game is going to be huge. Chelsea v Spurs has always been huge, no matter what, regardless of who is where in the league," Di Matteo added.

"But this could be even bigger given what’s going on at both clubs at the moment.

"We always used to joke in the dressing room, before we played Spurs, because we had such a good record against them historically.

"We didn’t want to be the ones to end that positive run of results against them.

"Any time we played them, it was always ‘guys, we don’t want to be the first ones to lose to them, so put your best performance in here’. And we did exactly that, for many, many years.

"We know Chelsea aren’t in the best of positions right now, but in the FA Cup final, and this fixture, there are a couple of great opportunities to finish the season on a high.

"I’m pleased to see a couple of players find a little bit of form over the last few games and I’m hopeful they’ll get a couple of good results to finish the season."

Chelsea next manager odds

Fabregas and Alonso linked with Stamford Bridge role

Chelsea are once again on the hunt for a new manager this summer following Liam Rosenior's sacking, with Xabi Alonso emerging as the favourite to take over permanently but ex-midfielder Cesc Fabregas also linked with the Stamford Bridge job.

"I have no idea who comes in this summer. First of all, I would say it’s a very good squad for someone to inherit, the ex-Blues boss said on their manager hunt.

"When everyone is fit, it’s a very strong squad. Of course, they certainly need some reinforcements. The spine is so important to get right.

"They need to strengthen that a little bit. In terms of managers, I actually think there are so many good names around.

"Cesc Fabregas is one of them. Xabi Alonso also did wonderful things in Germany. These are the kind of names I think Chelsea should be looking at.

"They are both progressive managers who like to play a certain style. Both have proven they’re capable. Alonso probably a little more than Fabregas, who is still early on in his managerial career.

"Alonso has certainly shown he can bring trophies. He now has the experience of a big dressing room, from his time with Real Madrid.

"So there are certainly managers out there who would be a good fit for our club. It’s so good to see Ashley Cole doing what he’s doing with Cesena. He’s a wonderful, wonderful person.

"I’m really happy for him, because he’s been an assistant for so long, and this opportunity just suited him perfectly."

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All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.