Ahead of this fixture, Chelsea and West Ham are level on 55 points in the Premier League table, with the Blues narrowly ahead on goal difference to occupy fourth place and the all-important final Champions League qualification spot.

With just six games left to the Premier League season, including this one at the London Stadium, the result of this capital derby could have a big impact on who finishes the campaign in the top four.

‘It’s a massive game,’ said Mendy. ‘Firstly, it’s a derby, and secondly they are just behind us in the table. It’s a big game for the top four and we are ready to fight.

‘It’s not the biggest game of the season because all the games are important, but it’s a big game for us and for them. We need to play our best football to get the three points. We are ready, we know this opponent, and we will do everything to get the three points.

‘It will be a great thing if we can finish in the top four. When you play for Chelsea, you want to play all season for the top four.’

One of the things working in our favour when we face West Ham will be our excellent recent defensive record, having kept nine clean sheets in the 13 Premier League games since Tuchel’s arrival in January, and the goalkeeper has felt the impact the head coach has had on the team, especially at the back.

‘We have good results at the moment with him. He has his philosophy. He knows what he wants for the team and it’s a good start for him and for the team right now.

‘I don’t know if it’s a secret, but with him the 11 players have to defend together to be stronger as a team. At the moment it’s working, but we have to keep going and continue to work. It’s a good thing to have a good defence.’

At the other end of the pitch, we will need to find a way past Lukasz Fabianski if we are to earn a huge three points in east London, and Mendy believes the goalkeeper has played an important role in West Ham’s impressive season so far.

‘He’s done amazing work. I’ve known him since he played for Arsenal, and he’s a very good goalkeeper. He’s very good with his feet, and on his line he’s a great shot stopper. He’s had an amazing season. If West Ham are really high in the Premier League, he is a big part of this success.’