Salomon Kalou made his first start of the season on Wednesday, and is hungry for another at Stoke today.

The 23-year-old Ivorian has had an interrupted start to the season after being away on international duty at the Olympics for the opening of the Premier League season, and it has taken him a little time to catch up with his team-mates in terms of fitness.

'I didn't do all the preparation with the team in pre-season because of the Olympics, so it was hard to get back into the team, but I have worked hard since I came back and feel like I am playing well so I am really happy at the moment,' Kalou smiled.

After two goals in four days, he is now full of confidence, evident from his laid-back nature at our Cobham training ground.

'I knew it would take a little time to work on my condition, am feeling better and can perform well,' he continued. 'My confidence improved with scoring a goal against Manchester United, and playing well. I will keep doing that by working hard and will get better.'

Now his attention turns to Stoke, and although he admits he doesn't know too much about them, he is keen to be involved.

'I don't know what the team is but I feel good, would like to play and am sure it will be a good game.

'In addition, I don't know a lot about Stoke, I know they drew 0-0 against Liverpool, which is a great result. It is never easy to perform at Anfield and they did well.

'Now they are at home against Chelsea, another big team, they will try 200 per cent to play well and try to bring their support with them. It is up to us to go there and try and score early to kill their confidence and control the game.'

You can follow the game live on Chelsea Plus or the Matchday Centre, or alternatively check out the new Matchday Live programme on Chelsea TV with minute-by-minute updates from former Blues Jason Cundy and Tommy Langley.