Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes Chelsea's "family" atmosphere will be the driving force behind their push for the Premiership title.

Frank Leboeuf's recent criticism of boss Gianluca Vialli and his relationship with his players had appeared to cast a shadow of doubt over the spirit in the squad.

The French defender - who was axed from the matchday squad against West Ham last weekend - has been named in the 22-man party to face Bradford City tonight but will face a battle to regain his starting place from Christian Panucci.

Hasselbaink, however, insisted that despite the multitude of nationalities and star names at Stamford Bridge, he had immediately been made to feel at home following his club record £15million summer signing.

"A lot of people outside the club think that we don't have a strong bond. But the bond in the club is very strong," he said.

"Everyone can talk to each other and be with each other. We have really nice times with each other.

"A lot of people think we have a lot of stars and that we are 'big time' but that's not the truth. We are quite happy with each other and try to make it like a family. For example, I have just bought a house and Gianfranco Zola lives near me. He comes to pick me up every morning to show me the short cuts to the training ground."

Chelsea will need strong team spirit tonight if they are to avoid the poor results against lesser sides which plagued them last season.

Vialli has appealed for his players to ensure that they show an "iron fist" in games demanding a physical battle.

And his side - still without Albert Ferrer, Emerson Thome and Jes Hogh through injury - will find that their second Premiership game of the season certainly provides an acid test in that respect.

At Valley Parade last season, one of Chelsea's main weaknesses was failing to make the most of a countless number of chances, with only Dan Petrescu, now at City, hitting the target to equalise.

Now the Blues have Hasselbaink to turn to and the Dutch striker has already scored in his first two competitive games for Chelsea - against Manchester United in the Charity Shield and in the 4-2 win against West Ham. And he will be well aware of the burden of expectation which hangs over him tonight.