Chelsea look to bounce back in the FA Cup after their loss to QPR
Rafael Benitez's team looking to rebound in their third-round clash against Southampton
Rafael Benitez admits Chelsea's FA Cup third-round tie today at Southampton has taken on added significance in the wake of their shock Premier League defeat to QPR.
Benitez conceded in the wake of Wednesday's 1-0 home loss to the division's bottom club that, with the Blues now lying 14 points behind Manchester United, they require a miraculous run to win the Premier League.
Chelsea's European ambitions now lie in the Europa League following their failure to get through the Champions League group stage and, while they will face Swansea in the League Cup semi-finals next week, Benitez knows the Blues can ill afford another upset at St Mary's this weekend.
The west London club's record in the FA Cup is impressive, with three final victories in the last four years including last season's success over Liverpool.
After a troubled season, more silverware at Wembley in May would be welcome and would at least partly vindicate Benitez's claims he could revive the side after being installed as interim manager in place of Roberto Di Matteo.
The first barrier they face is an improving Southampton side who now lie outside the Premier League relegation zone on goal difference after a difficult start to the season.