Chelsea are going into a tough period of the season which is vital to their Premier League title (Chelsea 8/13 for the title on outright coupon) aspirations, according to Branislav Ivanovic.

The Serbian defender is set to be offered a new four-year contract at Stamford Bridge following impressive performances this season, but he has warned his Chelsea team-mates they must improve on a recent record which has seen them win just once in their last five games.

Chelsea currently have a four point lead at the top of the Premier League and travel to an in-form Birmingham side today (Chelsea 3/1, Birmingham 11/2, draw 3/1 on match coupon) as they look to extend the gap to Manchester United in second place.

Ivanovic feels Chelsea could wrap the title up in the next few months if they improve their game, but it will not be easy as the Premier League is a strong league that requires sides to work hard every game.

“You have to play every game to the maximum because, in the Premier League, they are all strong teams,” said Ivanovic.

“I think you can win the title in December and January with the right performances. We are ready for the fight. We can do a very good job in this period if we are concentrated on every game.”

Carlo Ancelotti recently said he had faith that Chelsea’s young strikers Fabio Borini and Daniel Sturridge would be able to score goals when Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou are away for the African Cup of Nations.