Assistant boss Ray Wilkins insists Chelsea are in confident mood going into a month that could potentially make or break their season. The Blues have three home games in the Premier League, beginning with Middlesbrough at home on Wednesday night, plus Hull and Wigan.

"It's a great month, a fantastic month," said Wilkins. "If you are a footballer, these are the games you want to play in. This month is extremely important for us.

"It's always crucial you pick up maximum points. At home we would expect to do very well indeed and it won't be for the want of trying.

"We had a magnificent record away from home and our football is quite exceptional.

"At home we haven't reproduced that type of football but it's not for the want of trying.

"We're working at it and we'll get back to that level of performance. We're not too far short. When teams come to Stamford Bridge, you must give them credit.

"They set themselves out not to get beat and to make it extremely difficult for our guys. The onus is on us to take the game to them and beat them."