JODY Morris expects a typically tough Premiership battle when Chelsea tackle Blackburn Rovers tonight.

The young Stamford Bridge midfielder has now firmly established himself in Gianluca Vialli's star-studded squad and is looking forward to pitting his wits against Rovers after Saturday's 1-0 FA Cup win at Sheffield Wednesday gave them the perfect tonic for a congested run-in.

"I thought we played really well on Saturday, and the manager was really buzzing after the game," said 20-year-old Morris. "Hopefully we've turned the corner after a bad patch. All of us believe that ourselves, and that's all that matters.

"Blackburn are a tough team to play.

"They can play a physical game, but I think there are enough players in our team known for their physical attributes as well and I'm confident we can come away with something from the game."

Vialli's team have stumbled since topping the Premiership and now have to claw back points on Manchester United.

But they have ground out precious wins while playing indifferently and they are still second in the league and gunning on two cup fronts at home and abroad.

Chelsea are set to rip up the top 10-12 inches of their problem pitch after tonight's match but the prospect of a poor surface will be just as much a worry to the home side as Rovers.

Brian Kidd said: "It must be a big problem for Chelsea because they are a good passing team who like to play football. So it won't help them, will it."

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