Jose Mourinho will be hoping that the Champions League can provide an overdue confidence boost to his Chelsea team, when they take on Dynamo Kiev in their crucial group G clash on Wednesday night.
Premier League form should be forgotten about
Another home defeat against Liverpool on Saturday was the reigning champions sixth in the league this season, giving the Chelsea boss Mourinho a lot to think about.
Although the Blues' Champions League form has been somewhat inconsistent, some would agree that this competition can be targeted by them. Sitting comfortable on four points in the group, Chelsea are still in with a chance of qualifying, and a win against Kiev would take them into second in the group.
Last time out in Kiev
Chelsea's performance in Ukraine last time out showed some signs of improvment with a defensively sound display. It is always tough to travel away to places like Ukraine, the long flights and the typically hostile crowds. The Blues will fancy their chances though on home soil against Kiev, despite their poor recent form.
One positive that Chelsea can take into the game is that opposing boss Sergei Rebrov will have to somehow find a way to guide his side to their first Champions League win in England. Dynamo Kiev though have aspirations of their own, with a win potentially taking them top of the group, following them recording a draw against Porto in the first three games - something which Chelsea failed to do.
Team News
Chelsea look set to be without on-loan Monaco striker Radamel Falcao, with the player picking up an injury in training earlier this week. A "muscular injury" looks set to keep him out for up to two weeks. This is likely to see Diego Costa start up front, whilst Loic Remy continues to kick his heels in frustration on the bench.
Branislav Ivanovic is still out for Chelsea, with a hamstring problem keeping him on the sidelines, something which fans won't be too disappointed with due to his poor performances this season. However, Pedro could return for the blues which would give them extra pace and flair in the attacking areas.
Dynamo, meanwhile, have no fresh injury concerns and manager Rebrov will have a full squad to pick from. An unchanged team could be on the cards as the Ukrainian side won 2-0 in the league at the weekend against Metalist Kharkiv.