Juan Mata: 'There's a big month ahead'

Juan Mata has predicted that it will be an important few weeks for Chelsea in the Premier League.

The West London club's form dipped around this time last season, but Mata is keen for them to maintain their start, beginning with a win against Liverpool this afternoon.

Chelsea were beaten by Liverpool three times last season, although they did beat the Reds in the FA Cup final.

"I think it's going to be a big month," Mata told the club's official website. "We want to change the last few years and think it's going to be good for us.

"It will be tough. Last season I realised playing Liverpool is always difficult. We lost here [at Stamford Bridge] twice, in the league and the League Cup."

The Spanish midfielder backed his team to score against anyone, however, adding: "We have scored in every game except the Queens Park Rangers game, and we are confident that we can always score.

"We have players like Oscar and [Eden] Hazard who are able to keep the ball and make assists. It's good for us to play like this."

Mata won the Premier League player of the month for October and is set to be in the Chelsea side which take on Liverpool this afternoon.