Claudio Ranieri claims team spirit has soared at Chelsea during the Blues' recent off-field troubles - and he expects Israeli minnows Hapoel Tel-Aviv to suffer the backlash at Stamford Bridge tonight.

The manager is confident his side will overhaul their 2-0 deficit from the disastrous UEFA Cup second-round first-leg encounter in the Middle East a fortnight ago, when critical headlines followed the decision of six players to opt out of the match because of security fears.

But Gianfranco Zola could be ruled out by a heavy cold which is believed to have led to the loss of his voice. Rejuvenated Mark Bosnich will continue in goal, with Carlo Cudicini on the bench after his leg injury.

Marcel Desailly's niggling Achilles problem will not prevent him playing, but Mario Melchiot is suspended.

Desailly and Emmanuel Petit are in the France squad flying to Australia for the controversial friendly a week on Sunday.

The pair will be away for six days, and assistant manager Gwyn Williams admits the club are powerless to prevent them making the marathon journey.

"There's nothing we can do," he said. "It's an international week, and France have abided by the rules and given us 14 days' notice."