Antonio Conte may be preparing Chelsea for the final leg of their march to the title, but he insists they have done well just to prevent rivals Tottenham romping home.

Spurs' loss at West Ham on Friday night means Chelsea need six points from their final four games to win the Premier League crown.

They could seal the deal before Tottenham next play, by beating Middlesbrough tonight - a result which would also relegate the Teessiders - and then claiming another three points at West Brom on Friday. Spurs play Manchester United on Sunday.

But Conte said: "In this season, if Chelsea had not performed in this way, Tottenham would win the title without difficulty.

"Only this great season (from us) is pushing them to fight and, maybe, to win or not to win the title.

"I think that Tottenham have an advantage, if you compare Tottenham to Chelsea.

"Tottenham last season fought to win the title and Chelsea finished 10th. You can see our transfer market and Tottenham's transfer market.

"This is my first season and I found a lot of situations, a lot of players. (Mauricio) Pochettino has been working there for three years and has changed a lot of players and is working very well.

"For me, Tottenham are a really strong team and it's normal to see them fighting for the title."

Steve Agnew will be in the dugout opposite Conte and while he acknowledges the significance to Chelsea, he is focused only on preparing his Boro side for their own vital task.

"It will be an unbelievable night for Chelsea at the top and ourselves fighting to stay in the league," he said.

"Let's just hope that we can be the team that comes out on top.

"We've had to win matches for a number of weeks, so the players are used to that pressure. They've coped well in recent weeks and we're all ready."

Should the worst happen for Boro, Agnew's dejection would most likely be in sharp contrast to Conte's reaction given the Italian's typically exuberant celebrations on the sideline.

Conte said: "I live my work in an intensive way. For this reason, when you are able to reach a result, I think this joy invades your body.

"After a win, there is a moment when you are free. Without pressure. Without anything. Only joy. At this moment, I like also to divide this joy with my players, with my staff and with my fans."