Cesar Azpilicueta has sounded a rousing rallying cry at Stamford Bridge, with the Spanish defender saying: “We are Chelsea and we want to be as high as possible fighting for everything”.
Expectations in west London have had to be reined in slightly over recent weeks as Frank Lampard’s side scratch around for form.
A return to winning ways was made last time out in a derby date with neighbours Fulham, but there is still an eight-point gap to be bridged to Premier League leaders Manchester United.
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Chelsea were tipped by many to come into contention for the top-flight crown this season, with Roman Abramovich having invested heavily once more in a number of fresh faces.