Chelsea welcome local rivals Fulham to Stamford Bridge in Saturday’s late kick of in the Premier League, desperate to end their four match winless streak.
Nevertheless, the Blues are guaranteed to fire themselves into the top two, if only for the evening, with four of the five teams above them not playing until Sunday.
Manager Jose Mourinho has no injury concerns ahead of the game, but could well make changes to the side that lost to Basel on Wednesday evening.
Meanwhile, Paris Saint Germain coach Laurent Blanc has confirmed his sides interest in signing Juan Mata, the Express understands.
The Spain international, who has started just two of Chelsea’s six games so far this season, has been tipped to leave the club in January with Tottenham Hotspur a potential destination for the 25 year old.
However, Blanc’s words have suggested that the mega-rich Ligue 1 side will make a move when the transfer window reopens.
Elsewhere, Nathaniel Chalobah has joined Championship side Nottingham Forest until January.
Mourinho is keen for the 18 year old, who excelled during a season long spell with Watford last term, to gain further first team experience before he introduces him into the fold at Stamford Bridge.