Anderlecht's positive vibe

Negative vibes
Sunday's 2-1 reverse at KVC Westerlo, their first Belgian league defeat in 26 games, has created a negative feeling within the camp - something Vercauteren is keen to nullify. "We don't need negativity as it costs energy and we need energy to beat Chelsea. We're working on our teamwork and it's helping to create a productive, positive atmosphere."

Last chance
After eleven straight group stage losses, and with Anderlecht failing to score in four Group G outings so far, Vercauteren is aware they must beat the English champions and then take three points at Real Betis Balompié in their final match to stand any chance of clinching a UEFA Cup berth. "It is our last chance," said the 49-year-old. "But there's no pressure as we're not favourites even though we are at home."

Ankle problem
Deprived of suspended striker Nenad Ještrović, Vercauteren may opt for a formation that would deploy Vincent Kompany and UEFA Champions League debutant Cheik Ismael Tiote as defensive midfielders protecting a back four in which centre-half Mark De Man should figure despite an ongoing ankle problem. Teenager Tiote also has ankle trouble, however, and could be subject to a late fitness test.

Early return
Kompany, more familiar as an orthodox centre-back, returned to action in his new midfield role at the weekend. "A week ago I didn't think I'd be back before Christmas," said the Belgian international. "The Chelsea game is important for me, as I'll be playing against great players and I'll try to give everything I have in my body."

Robben strike
Chelsea will qualify for the last 16 with a win, provided Liverpool FC avoid defeat against Betis in the other game. José Mourinho's men have not won a UEFA Champions League tie on foreign soil for over a year, when Arjen Robben's goal was enough to beat PFC CSKA Moskva, but the Portuguese coach insists he is unconcerned. "We have two matches left, we need one good result to qualify and it all depends on us. With one win we should go through and with six points we'll be group winners."

Makelele injury
Robben remains sidelined by a hamstring complaint and Shaun Wright-Phillips is suspended, while Claude Makelele's knee injury, sustained in Saturday's 3-0 home success against Newcastle United FC, will keep out the French international for two to three weeks. Michael Essien will take Makelele's holding role and William Gallas and Didier Drogba are set to return.

Strong start
Mourinho, aware of the difficulties faced by Wednesday night's opponents, emphasised to his squad the importance of making a confident start. "My message to my players is that recently, when we have played teams who are in a difficult situation, we have conceded early goals and given them hope," he said. "We have to start strongly with an attitude that tells the opponents you're there to get the result."

Bad day
Opposite number Vercauteren clings to the hope that the visitors will have an off-day. He said: "Everyone expects miracles from Chelsea, that they win every game with a big score and play nice football, but they're still human and one bad day, one bad moment can happen to them."