Chelsea look to maintain momentum

The last time Chelsea FC played at home in the UEFA Champions League they dropped two points to Rosenborg BK and lost their manager. Now, as evidence grows that some stability has returned to the club along with their old winning ways, they are determined not to make another stumble against FC Schalke 04.

Good work
A memorable victory away to Valencia CF three weeks ago has installed the London club at the head of Group B and they do not want to see that good work go to waste. "After drawing the first game it was very important to win in Valencia," said Avram Grant, the man who replaced José Mourinho after the 1-1 draw with Rosenborg. "Now we have another home game and we want to use it to take another three points. It's never easy to change the coach during the season but step by step we are doing the right things. Up to now we have made a few steps but we want to do even more."

Captain missing
Chelsea face their German opponents, who recovered from a home defeat against Valencia to win in Norway, without captain John Terry and fellow defender Ashley Cole who both picked up injuries while on England duty. Nevertheless a run of four victories – including Saturday's 2-0 win at Middlesbrough FC – and a draw following Grant's first game at Manchester United FC has fired the enthusiasm of players and supporters alike and they want to make up for the Rosenborg disappointment and turn on the style. "I like to win but the way you win is also important," added Grant. "I know you can not always play 90 minutes at your best but that is our goal, to play good football and win the game."

Drogba influence
Once again Chelsea will look to the striking power of Didier Drogba to cement their position as favourites to qualify from the section. He missed out against Rosenborg through injury but returned in Valencia to strike a memorable winning goal. Even though he is reported to have spoken of his willingness to leave the club, he remains a key element of Grant's team, the Israeli coach praising all his players for the commitment they have shown.

'Little surprise'
Schalke have rewarded their travelling support by remaining unbeaten away from home in the Bundesliga, where they sit fifth following a weekend draw at FC Hansa Rostock. "Against Rosenborg our old strengths and quality were evident and there is no reason why we shouldn't be optimistic for this game," said visiting coach Mirko Slomka. "Hopefully we can prepare a little surprise for Chelsea."

Team ethic
German international Christian Pander remains sidelined through injury though fellow defender Mladen Krstajić is back in contention. Slomka denied that facing Chelsea might be an easier proposition now with the departure of a coach who has lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy. "To ask that question must mean you think that Grant is not as good a manager as Mourinho but I can't imagine that's the case. Look at their last game, the victory in Valencia was down to the team and the quality of the players in the team."