As a man on top of his game, Michael Ballack is relishing the challenge of Bolton this afternoon.

The German has been pivotal to recent performances, notably Blackburn at home last weekend, and is clearly enjoying his football in the heart of the Chelsea midfield.

Having played 90 minutes against Gary Megson's side in midweek, the German is expecting a tougher test at the Reebok Stadium than the one we passed so comfortably at home.

'It may be more physical, we are always prepared and know what to expect,' the 33-year-old said. 'We know always it is a difficult game at Bolton but in the last few years we have had good wins there because we were ready. Sometimes you have to switch from one style to another, we can adapt to the game and have to dominate.'

Our style of play has been under much scrutiny this season, with Carlo Ancelotti's famous diamond formation a big talking point. Ballack, whose abilities allow him to feel at home anywhere in the midfield using this system, is an obvious fan.

'Things are good, and we know we can't keep going like this forever, everybody wishes for four goals and five goals without conceding, but we enjoy the moment and we have showed we can play very good football in the last few weeks, even against Aston Villa when we lost.

'It shows what we are trying to do, the manager says he always wants to see good football and for us to keep the ball, but at the same time we have to attack, so we have a good balance and are creating chances, not wasting time.'

With a narrow lead on top of the Premier League and Manchester United due to visit next weekend, Ballack is aware of the psychological importance three points carry today, ensuring we stay in pole position ahead of that game, and believes now is the time to focus on domestic football rather than the Champions League, where we top Group D by three points.

'It is important we go into Manchester United ahead, it will have a big influence on the game, first and second. We will try to be in front and that will mean winning on Saturday,' he confirmed.

'We can see the table, and we have a good chance in the Premier League. Of course the focus should be here, if we lose in the Champions League we can still top the group, it doesn't affect it so much, but if we lose in the Premier League we drop back because Man U are strong and the other teams are very close.

'We cannot waste any points so have to be focused on the Premiership.'