Spurs clash well timed for Blues - Mata

Juan Mata claims the FA Cup semi-final clash has come at the right time for Chelsea due to Tottenham's current poor run of form.

The Spain international playmaker is looking forward to a return to Wembley with the Blues, having featured in his country's 1-0 defeat to England at the national stadium late last year. And, as Mata prepares for his 50th appearance for the Londoners, he feels Roberto Di Matteo's men have a great opportunity to progress to the final given that Harry Redknapp's Spurs have only won one game in their last eight matches, while the Blues have lost just once in 11 since Andre Villas-Boas was sacked. "This semi-final against Tottenham is huge for us," Mata said, according to The Sun. "The FA Cup is a special competition and we want to be back at Wembley for the final next month. "I played there for Spain in November. We killed England but we lost 1-0! Frank Lampard! But what an unbelievable stadium. "We've drawn both games against Tottenham in the league this season, so it will not be easy. They have many players at a great level. But so do we. "Maybe a month ago they were in a better position and we weren't doing so well. Now we're in a good moment and we have to show that at Wembley."