Frank Lampard believes Chelsea will face a tougher proposition against Manchester United on Monday night.
The two teams go head-to-head at Stamford Bridge for the third time this season, with the Blues losing both of the other two matches so far.
United claimed a 4-0 win at Old Trafford on the opening weekend of the season - a chastening introduction to Premier League management for Lampard, before the Red Devils got the upper hand in the Carabao Cup fourth round thanks to a 2-1 victory.
And if United make it three in a row on Monday night they will close the gap between the two teams in the race for Champions League qualification to three points.
United are trailing in the top four battle and will be looking for all three points to get back in the race.
And Chelsea head coach Lampard believes the visitors to Stamford Bridge will be even stronger than in the previous two matches, because of their January transfer window business.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Lampard singled out Bruno Fernandes as a danger man ahead of the clash.
He said: "I think they are strong anyway and will be stronger because they’ve done good business. I think Fernandes is a top player, he scores goals, I know all about his record and that.
"We have to take that into account and he will be wanting to make his mark on the Premier League in general. I think they are a top team.
"Again they are gunning for the top four, the size of club they are. We won’t be under any illusions, it’s going to be a tough game but we have to trust in ourselves, be confident at home, play well and try and win the game."
