With the crucial F.A. Cup quarterfinal replay against Manchester United lurking, Rafa Benitez will have his work cut out when Chelsea travel to St Mary's to take on a dangerous Southampton side in the English Premier League.
The Blues play two games in two days, with the replay set for Monday, just 48 hours after their game against Southampton.
Chelsea cannot let their concentration waver against the Saint though, with Champions League qualification still very much in the balance.
They currently lie in third, one point ahead of Spurs, who are fourth, and five clear of Arsenal in fifth.
The Blues have a game in hand over Spurs, but have played the same 29 games as the Gunners.
Chelsea also have a game in the Europa League on Thursday, followed by another Premier League tie on Sunday, which means they play four games in eight days.
"It's better to have this problem than being at home watching the television, it shows you are progressing and competing," Benitez said.
"We want to make sure we have a competitive team against Southampton, Manchester United and Rubin Kazan. We have to manage the squad carefully and try to find the right balance.
"The most difficult time will be between the next two games because they are so close, so it will be hard to make sure we have fresh legs for the second game.
"In a top side, normally the last 10 games of the season, and the last months, are when you fight for trophies. We are there so it's positive, and it will be really important for us.
"I would like to see us reduce the gap. The main thing is your own team. If we can do things like we were before, when we were training very well, competing and playing very good football, if we can keep that momentum I will not be worried about the other teams.
"We know that to finish in the top places is the key for us for next season, we want to guarantee Champions League football, so hopefully that will be enough motivation for the players."
Chelsea breathed a huge sigh of relief after all their players came back from international duty unscathed, but Ramires and Gary Cahill remain doubts as they look to shake off the injuries which kept them from representing their respective countries.
Southampton were impressive in their win over Liverpool two weeks ago, and they seem to be at their best against the better teams, having also earned an equally impressive win over champions Manchester City.
Benitez will be aware of the threat posed by Mauricio Pochettino's side and finding the right balance for his side, keeping the United tie in mind, will be as tough a challenge as any.
Expected lineups: Southampton: Boruc; Clyne, Yoshida, Hooiveld, Shaw; Schneiderlin, Cork; Rodriguez, Ramirez, Lallana; Lambert.
Chelsea: Cech; Azpilicueta, Luiz, Terry, Bertrand; Mikel, Lampard; Moses, Marin, Benayoun; Torres.
Prediction: 1-1