Petr Cech is hoping Chelsea can take advantage of playing before Manchester United on Saturday.
In recent weeks, United have kicked off before their title rivals and been able, albeit briefly, to establish a nine-point lead.
This weekend, Chelsea face Tottenham Hotspur at lunchtime, live on cable tv, before United tackle Portsmouth at teatime.
Cech is aware that the reigning champions can afford no more slip-ups, but is keen for The Blues to put some pressure on the Premiership leaders.
"For the first time we will play our game before them and then we will watch how they finish," Cech told his personal website.
"It is necessary to win at Tottenham to close the gap to just three points and put some pressure on them.
"At this stage of the season every league round is a key one.
"We know that as soon as we fail, it is over and our title hopes are gone.
"On the other hand, if Manchester lose, the title race can be very interesting yet.
"Our philosophy is still the same - to concentrate on ourselves, on our performance, to win every game and then to wait on an opponents' setback."