In the first half against Liverpool, after going down to an early goal, Chelsea finally showed exactly what they are capable of as an attacking unit, moving forward at pace with players pouring forward from all angles.
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If the Blues put in anything akin to that performance at Southampton on New Year's Day Wednesday, then the Saints will find it difficult to keep up with them, such is the talent that Chelsea possess.
"I think the first half was the best we've played all season actually -- the pressing was spot on, as were the tactics from the manager," Chelsea skipper John Terry, who made his 600th appearance on Sunday, said of the 2-1 win over Liverpool.
"The tempo was excellent and it's good to do that in front of our home fans as well. Hopefully we can continue that as it's been coming. We've been playing okay but feeling like we've got a little bit more to give and I thought we did that in this game."
Southampton have shown on more than a few occasions this season, just how capable they are, with Mauricio Pochettino getting his team playing a high-tempo, pressing game, which in the early part of the season, in particular, gave them a lot of joy.
The Saints' charge near the top of the table has cooled a little bit over the last month or so, but nevertheless, Terry is fully aware of the challenge that awaits the Blues on Wednesday.
"It's going to be tough because they're very good at home and it proved a difficult game here when they scored pretty early," Terry added.
"They are a good footballing side, very much like Liverpool, who try and play out from the back so we're expecting a tough game. Man United and Man City have gone on good runs and it's important over this period that we do the same."
Chelsea are currently third on 40 points, two behind leaders Arsenal, with Manchester City, who play the early game capable of going top before any of the other contenders kick off.
Southampton, who haven't won at home since a 4-1 victory over Hull City on 9 November, find themselves pushed down to ninth following a difficult spell, and Pochettino, who was disappointed to see his side come away with nothing from Goodison Park against Everton on Sunday, will demand an improvement come the New Year starting with the home game against Chelsea.
"I think it's a season that we've started off really well," Pochettino said. "We've gotten some really good results. We've been able to establish our style, our attacking philosophy and style of football. We're achieving in the fact that we're putting together a solid team.
"We still have a young side that's competing in the Premier League and that's not easy. I think so far the assessment is a good one, it's a positive one.
"The last two months we've been plagued with a lot of injuries and illnesses and that has hindered our process a little bit, but we accept it. We accept it as part of the competition. The most important thing is that we've been able to maintain our philosophy, our attacking style of football - one in which the players are vital."
Team news: Southampton:Artur Boruc, Victor Wanyama and Guly Do Prado are ruled out, while Pablo Osvaldo will undergo a late fitness test. Morgan Schneiderlin, though, returns from suspension after missing the 2-1 loss to Everton.
Chelsea: Jose Mourinho will be without Frank Lampard and Branislav Ivanovic, after the duo picked up injuries in the Liverpool win. Marco Van Ginkel remains sidelined, but Ramires returns from suspension. David Luis, however, will serve a one-match ban after picking up his fifth yellow card at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Key men: Southampton: Adam Lallana and Jay Rodriguez have gone from strength to strength this season, but their performances also need to produce wins and that aspect will definitely be on the minds of the two England hopefuls.
Chelsea: Eden Hazard was quite good against Liverpool, while Oscar showed his No.10 qualities. Mourinho might rotate his squad, and whoever comes in, will be under pressure to perform to justify their place in the starting XI.
Expected lineups: Southampton: Davis; Chambers, Fonte, Lovren, Shaw; Cork, Schneiderlin; Ward-Prowse, Lallana, Rodriguez; Lambert.
