The champions appear unusually vulnerable as an outstanding calendar year for the Stamford Bridge club comes to an inglorious end. Chelsea, five points clear at the top of the Premier League two months ago, have hit crisis after winning just two of nine games and none of their last six. That has seen the Blues slip to fourth and Bolton, revitalised under Coyle's guidance, are just two points behind them. But Coyle said: "I think going to Stamford Bridge at any time, with the quality Chelsea hold, is always a difficult ask. "When we go there we expect a really tough game because of the quality they have, the strength in depth. "There is no doubt come the end of the season Chelsea are going to be fighting out the major honours, that is for sure. "We will pay them huge respect but I want my players to concentrate on what we can do and make a game of it. It is a game we will be ready for." This week marks a year since Gary Megson was sacked as Bolton manager with the team in the bottom three. Former Wanderers striker Coyle took over in January after quitting Burnley and the progress since has been considerable. Coyle's side have rid the club of a reputation for physical and direct football by winning plaudits for their fluent - and effective - style. That has put them in contention for a European place and Coyle prefers to look at potential rather than reflecting on any success so far. He said: "I think we have done ever so well to this point but we can't affect that now - what we can affect is what is in front of us. "I think there has been improvement from when I came in in January compared to where we are now. "But that involves a lot of hard work and everybody buying into what you are doing. "We have to continue that and make sure we are on the front foot. "We are trying to gather as many points as we can." Coyle's first task was to steer the team clear of relegation and once achieved he then set about the job of reshaping the team. Transfer activity was actually minimal with the biggest change coming in the philosophy of the side. "We were favourites for relegation but we did it with plenty to spare," said Coyle. "Come the summer the object for me was to try to improve that. "We didn't want to be in that bottom three fighting and scrapping, not playing with freedom to express ourselves in each game. "We had to try to hit the ground running, start the season well and gain that momentum. "We believed we could improve. We've not had any money but we've tried to be creative. "But football can change very quickly, particularly in the Barclays Premier League, because margins are very minimal, so we have to try to improve on that." Coyle, however, is short on numbers with South Korea winger Lee Chung-yong having now departed for the Asia Cup. With Gretar Steinsson doubtful with a knee injury and Tamir Cohen on compassionate leave, Coyle may now have only 17 fully-fit regular first-teamers available. But Coyle said: "Regardless of number we have good players - players who want to try to win points for Bolton Wanderers in the Barclays Premier League. That is the way we approach every game."
