The Blues’ impressive performances against Villa and Aalborg have boosted confidence, which the boss knows is the best way to take on a Chelsea team revitalised since the arrival of Guus Hiddinck as manager.
Hughes says, “We are in good shape and confidence is high, which you need to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Obviously they are in decent shape themselves so it will be a big test for us but we’re looking forward to it.
“Earlier in the season we weren’t quite up to the mark in terms of being able to compete as well as we wanted but we are a different team now.
“Chelsea look like they have got their focus and desire back. Their form has improved. They had a good result in midweek so it’s been a good week for both of us. We are hoping to finish the week in better shape than they will.”
City have just the one away win in the Barclays Premier League this season, but Hughes is hoping that the team can step it up like they did the last time they faced a top-four side on their own turf.
“Our remaining away games are all very difficult on paper, but we went to Liverpool and acquitted ourselves really well, and it will have to be a similar performance at Chelsea.
“Teams like Chelsea, Liverpool, Man United will always come out and attack you the way they play, and that will help us. When teams sit in, that makes it more difficult for us.
“We enjoy playing against the top teams because we get the opportunity to play our own stuff as well.”
