Ivanovic wants to build momentum

15 February 2013 14:17

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. Serbia defender Ivanovic 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."

He added: "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."

Chelsea will be boosted by the availability of key players against Brentford, with returns possible for David Luiz, back from suspension, Ba, ineligible in Europe, and Moses and John Obi Mikel, who were rested following their African Nations Cup win with Nigeria.

John Terry could also play after being an unused substitute in the Czech Republic. The 32-year-old has started just twice under Benitez due to a knee injury sustained before the Spaniard's appointment.

Terry will not be treated like Ledley King was at Tottenham; he has been told by interim boss Rafael Benitez that he must prove his fitness in training to be considered for selection.

Ashley Cole could also return after being, like Terry, left on the bench in Prague due to a cold, with Ryan Bertrand taking his place.

Source: PA