This is a real Clasico! Samba star Paulinho reveals friendships will go out of the window when Tottenham take on Chelsea



Tottenham midfielder Paulinho has revealed his friendship with Chelsea stars David Luiz, Oscar and Ramires will be pushed to one side when he faces the trio at White Hart Lane on Saturday.

All four are team-mates for the Brazil national team but the Spurs midfielder admits he will be fighting for himself and for Tottenham in a game which is as eagerly anticipated in Sao Paolo as it is in London.

'There is a level of affection there, a friendship between us all,' Paulinho told the Telegraph.



Flying high: Paulinho has revealed his friendships with Chelsea players will be pushed to one side this weekend

Friend or foe? Ramires (left), Oscar (right) and David Luiz (below) face Brazil team-mate Paulinho on Saturday



'But when we step onto the field of play we are there to defend ourselves and defend our team so I will be there fighting for Tottenham Hotspur. It’s a big match here in London, and in Brazil, where many people will watch, and it’s important for us, as a stepping stone also to win more games.

Having narrowly lost to rivals Arsenal earlier this season, Paulinho is pleased to be facing Chelsea so soon after in order to prove Tottenham's title credentials this campaign.

'We faced Arsenal and did not get the result we wanted [a 1-0 defeat]. But we are going down the right path so it’s great to have this opportunity to play against Chelsea in order to prove our level. Within the club we know our ability and this will start with this match against Chelsea.' said the 25-year-old.

Leaving it late: Paulinho scored an extra-time winner to secure all three points away at Cardiff last Sunday

Beating Chelsea would give a good indicator as to whether Spurs are capable of making a serious challenge for the Premier League trophy.

Manager Andre Villas-Boas has ambitions to win English football's biggest prize and Paulinho believes the club are capable of reaching the level needed.

'The main challenge that he [Andre Villas-Boas] put forward was qualifying for the Champions League and fighting for the Premier League. After that there are the cups - either in England or in Europe,' Paulinho says. 'Tottenham are a team that is going to enter these competitions to win them. Step by step we are reaching that level.'