Ancelotti happy with Chelsea progress

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti hopes his team can move to within three points of Manchester United with a win at Tottenham on Saturday.

During their disastrous dip in form over the winter months the West London club were 18 points behind United at one stage, but have clawed back the deficit and are in touching distances of the champions-elect.

However, Ancelotti is aware beating Harry Redknapp’s side will be no easy task, with the North London club battling for a Champions League place in an attempt to qualify for the competition for a second year in a row.

“I remember when we were losing to Manchester United in the first half of the season – the gap between us and them was 18 points – so to be three points behind will be fantastic,” Ancelotti said.

“They (Tottenham) are involved in the fight for fourth place and they will do everything against us to close the gap on Manchester City.”

Ancelotti has a full strength squad to choose from ahead of the weekend’s game and his team seem to be firing on all cylinders once again with an unbeaten run that stretches back to February.

The Italian will also be relieved that 50 million pound striker Fernando Torres finally broke his duck with a goal against West Ham last Saturday, and has praised the Spaniard for his work with fellow front-man Didier Drogba in training this week.

“They trained well and make a good combination together – it won’t surprise me if they both start on Saturday,” Ancelotti said.

“Both players have great skill and ability and are able to play together. They may have to sacrifice something though to both play but they will help the team reach the right results.”

Manchester United must travel to The Emirates on Sunday to try and grab what could be a title winning three points, though Ancelotti hopes that Arsenal can do his side a favour by beating Sir Alex Ferguson’s men.

“I think that Arsenal will do their best to win because they are a good team,” he said. “Manchester City are close behind them which will be a good motivation for them.”