Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior eyes FA Cup semifinal spot

The Blues head coach admitted the team's last four matches had been difficult, but believes those setbacks could play a key role in shaping the squad's mentality heading into the decisive stage of the season.

Speaking ahead of the fixture, Rosenior stressed that both silverware and a strong league finish remain realistic targets.

"I want to focus on a massive game today where, if we win, we can reach an FA Cup semi-final," he said. "And I also want to focus on us still pushing for the Champions League, which is a big possibility."

Despite Port Vale's position near the bottom of League One, Rosenior made it clear he is expecting a tough contest and warned against complacency.

"We want to win. No matter the competition, that is always the objective," he explained. "It's not about me winning trophies. It's about this club being successful now and in the long term."

Rosenior also highlighted how recent adversity has tested the entire group, both on and off the pitch.

"You have to go through difficult moments," he said. "You learn a lot about the characters in your group - not just the players, but the staff and myself as well.

"You need that process, that pain, to make better decisions going forward."

With a place in the FA Cup semi-finals at stake later today, Rosenior will expect a focused and disciplined performance as his side aim to reignite their campaign and keep their ambitions firmly alive.