Ivanovic wants to build momentum
Branislav Ivanovic hopes Chelsea can carry the momentum of successive wins for the first time since December into Sunday's FA Cup fourth-round replay with Brentford and then the Barclays Premier League.
Ivanovic made his 200th Blues appearance in Thursday night's 1-0 unconvincing Europa League last-32 first-leg win at Sparta Prague as boss Rafael Benitez and Fernando Torres' blushes were spared by a delightful 82nd-minute goal from substitute Oscar, his sixth in Europe this term.
Serbia defender Ivanovic, who started ahead of club captain John Terry, now hopes Chelsea can advance in knockout competitions at Stamford Bridge at the expense of npower League One Brentford and Sparta, before travelling to Manchester City in the Premier League.
"It was a very important game for us to win and to keep the momentum going," said Ivanovic, after Chelsea followed up the 4-1 Premier League defeat of Wigan.
"(The lack of consistency) has been very difficult for us, but we are a team that can build and we have to think about this.
"We have to improve every game, every session and we hope it will be fine in the end.
"It was our first game in the Europa League and it was difficult, but we got the goal and that gave us the advantage.
"Sometimes in a different competition you're not sure what to expect in the games, but now we know much better. It was a good win for us."
David Luiz, Demba Ba, Victor Moses and John Obi Mikel are available for Chelsea after missing the Prague trip.
Luiz was suspended, Ba ineligible and Moses and Mikel rested after winning the African Nations Cup with Nigeria.
Brentford manager Uwe Rosler does not believe his side have blown their only chance to beat the FA Cup holders, although admits the opening 30 minutes the replay will be key.
Around 6,000 Brentford fans are expected to make the trip to Stamford Bridge, just three weeks after holding the European champions to a 2-2 draw at Griffin Park.
Only Fernando Torres' equaliser seven minutes from time saved Chelsea from one of the great FA Cup shocks, but Rosler believes an upset is still on the cards.
"I think first of all there will be a big factor of excitement going to Stamford Bridge," the former Manchester City forward said.
"I think excitement will take over and they will be very motivated. My players will raise their standards in terms of physical capabilities, hopefully by five to 10 per cent, which is needed to compete.
"Obviously Chelsea will take us more seriously than the first game and I am looking forward to what will be a great test for us, for everybody involved.
"I still believe it is possible. The chances are slimmer but I think it is still possible.
"The crucial thing for us is that we are competitive in the first half an hour.
"We need to keep it at 0-0 in the first half an hour, keep our options open and also be brave to attack them."
Long-term absentees striker Farid El-Alagui (knee) and midfielder Kevin O'Connor (ankle) are the only players missing for the Bees.
Source: DSG
Source: DSG