Ballack believes rivals' hopes will end at Fortress Bridge

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Leaders Manchester United go there on April 26, while Arsenal travel across the capital on March 23.

Chelsea have not lost in 75 home League games, Arsenal being the last to take three points at the Bridge in February 2004.

Ballack said: 'We are strong at home and everybody knows it. The big games are coming. We have done well and if we can win those games we would be one point behind. It could be decided here at Stamford Bridge.

'In the big games you always have a little advantage when you play at home. We should use this. Everybody believes in their own stadium. We should do when you see our record here.'

Chelsea's title bid last season was damaged by dropped points over the Christmas period before expiring in April when the assault on four competitions began to tell on tired players and a power struggle behind the scenes chipped away at their focus.

A year on, the mood is much more positive after squeezing the gap on United and Arsenal with nine wins on the spin, despite the loss of their African stars and long-term injuries to Frank Lampard and John Terry.

Players who start arriving back from the Africa Cup of Nations next week will be relatively fresh after playing less than those left behind during a busy January.

Lampard is close to a return after a thigh injury and Terry has stepped up his recovery from three broken bones in his foot.

Petr Cech has conceded one goal in five games since returning and Andriy Shevchenko is also close to fitness should Grant need him.

Grant's managerial acumen may be tested when all his players are available. Soon he will have to address another man-management issue: who plays, when and where?

How will Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka gel? Can he drop Claude Makelele to reinstate John Mikel Obi as his midfield screener?

Shaun Wright-Phillips has been a revelation in central midfield but Essien and Lampard will be back.

Grant's future as manager may hinge on how he handles his players, but the longer he keeps winning and stays on track for four trophies the easier it will be.

Arsenal captain William Gallas is acutely aware of the presence of his old team in third place.

'Everybody forgets Chelsea but I do not because I know how they play,' he said. 'They are a danger.'