Birmingham City boss Chris Hughton is expecting Chelsea to "up their game" when the two sides meet tonight in their FA Cup replay at St Andrews.
Andre Villas-Boas was dismissed from his position at Stamford Bridge on Sunday following the club's 1-0 defeat at West Bromwich Albion.
The Portuguese was replaced by Roberto Di Matteo on a caretaker basis and Hughton is expecting the London side to come out firing to impress their new leader.
"When there is a managerial change, there is a decent percentage of times when the results turn for the better," Hughton told the Daily Star.
"You generally see a reaction from the players when they try to up their game. That is all Roberto will hope for. He is a good Chelsea man and I'm sure he'll get the right staff around him."
In 2010, Hughton was controversially sacked by Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley and the 53-year-old feels sympathy for Villas-Boas.
He added: "I felt he needed time to finish the job he wanted to complete and I was saddened to hear the news."
Birmingham have only lost twice at home in all competitions this season.
Robert Summerscales
