Chelsea face London neighbours Charlton Athletic on Saturday afternoon at Stamford Bridge.

Both teams have benefited by differing degrees from a two week break in the Premiership programme as a result of European qualifying matches. However, the Charlton manager Alan Curbishley could have used the time more effectively than his counterpart at Chelsea Gianluca Vialli.

Curbishley has had a rare opportunity to coach his players for an extended period without being hampered by the worry of playing competitive matches. Vialli will not have had the same luxury as many of his charges have been away on international duty.

The bonding and team spirit which Charlton have already demonstrated in the opening weeks of the season will only have been strengthened by the time they will have spent together on the training ground. Charlton have acquitted themselves well so far this term, most notably with draws away at Anfield and Highbury.

Vialli will have studied their form and know that they are a good unit who work hard for each other.

They will not be overawed when they visit Stamford Bridge as self-belief is high in the camp. Chelsea will only have a short time to prepare as a full squad for this match as some of the players are on international duty up until Wednesday evening.

Another concern for Vialli will be that the likes of Graeme Le Saux, who picked up a slight knock while playing for England against Bulgaria, will return injury free and fit to play.

It is the first time the two sides have met in the Premiership.

But both sides play attacking football so if the game goes true to form there should be several goals in the encounter.

Chelsea will feel they should take maximum points, but Charlton have already shown they are more than capable of upsetting the form book so the Blues can take nothing for granted.

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