Chelsea (0) v Olympiakos (0)IT MAY frustrate Avram Grant that losing one match qualifies as a crisis at Chelsea but the Israeli will know better than to call for a sense of perspective if Olympiakos win tonight. An emphatic victory over West Ham on Saturday has provided respite in the wake of the English League Cup final defeat but a tumultuous season will be blown irrevocably off course if the Greek champions progress at Stamford Bridge.

"If we will not qualify, I think you know the word better than me," said Grant, responding to claims that elimination would constitute a catastrophe. Defeat, or the score draw which would see Olympiakos go through to the quarter-finals, would push the Chelsea manager close to the precipice, severely testing the strength of his relationship with Roman Abramovich, the club's owner.

Three Champions League semi-final appearances in four years would represent success for most clubs, but the Russian billionaire has his own standards. Whether Grant is capable of meeting the expectations remains unclear but no one can doubt the desire for success among his squad.

"Every player in the Chelsea dressingroom desperately wants to (win) the Champions League," said John Terry. "That is a big factor in our careers."

Such ambition is not without problems, in particular for Grant, whose task has arguably been made more difficult following the return of a number of key players. His team selection for the League Cup final prompted unrest and on the eve of this tie there were suggestions that Michael Ballack, omitted from the starting XI at Wembley 10 days ago, might again be left out. Others, including Michael Essien and Joe Cole, will be worried.

"My job is to play for Chelsea when selected and to do as well as I can, and I don't pay attention to any of the dramas surrounding the club," said Cole, who suggested Olympiakos will again prove obdurate opponents.

"We're not thinking it's going to be easy. It's a very important Champions League game and we know what we need to do. It's about being aggressive from the start. The Carling Cup final is history now. We always give 100 per cent and this game is huge."

Grant pointed to Olympiakos's record in Europe this season - they have defeated Lazio and Werder Bremen on their travels - as reason to preach caution, although 10 defeats in 15 matches against English opposition suggest the Greek side should not prove overly demanding for a club with aspirations of conquering Europe. Nonetheless, Chelsea will need to be far more ambitious than they were in Athens a fortnight ago.

Frank Lampard was left out on that occasion, though the England international is certain to start tonight. Much to Chelsea's relief he will also be available for the next three matches after the English Football Association yesterday rescinded the sending-off he picked up at Upton Park last Saturday. "Frank's a massively important player for us and that's great news," added Joe Cole.

A place in the last eight would provide Chelsea with another fillip although Grant, recalling the result which precipitated Jose Mourinho's departure, warned against complacency. "You know that it is our target to succeed in the Champions League but it's a very tough game at home before we go through. It's important for us to ensure we don't concede. We drew 1-1 at home to Rosenborg (in the group stage) and if that happens (again) we're out."

Olympiakos defender Christos Patsatzoglou expects to see a more attacking Chelsea tonight than in Athens. "I expect them to be more offensive," he said. "What we need is concentration and if they don't score in the first half of the game then anything is possible."

Olympiakos have based their success this season on a solid defence, although coach Panagiotis Lemonis believes there is more to his side.

"It is important and is one of our main tactics but the defence starts throughout the team and it is important that we are not just concentrating there," he said. "Hopefully that will give us the opportunity to attack and hopefully score."

Chelsea have lost in the Carling Cup final since the first leg but Lemonis added: "Every team has its strength and weaknesses but it would be wrong to talk about the weaknesses in this case. We have two major players missing and we cannot dwell on that, we are hoping this is going to work regardless of them being out."

Chelsea have not lost at home for two years, although Lemonis believes his side has a chance.

"The important thing is the first 20 minutes, controlling the pace of the game," he added. "It is psychological. You cannot always a have plan for these things, we didn't go to Rome or Germany looking for a plan B earlier in the season.

"If we get a goal we will think how we will respond. There is a hidden optimism that things will go well."