At their intimidating GSP stadium in Nicosia, the Cypriot champions won all three home games in this season's Champions League qualifiers by at least a two-goal margin.
With the 22,000-capacity ground sold out for the London club's visit, competition debutants APOEL can count on noisy support for a match against their toughest opponents in Group D.
"They are the best team in the group," APOEL coach Ivan Jovanovic told a news conference. "We need to exceed ourselves, something we have done many times and must do so again."
Asked if he saw any weaknesses in Chelsea this season, APOEL's Serbian coach Jovanovic said: "Minimal, probably none."
"It will not be an easy game," he told reporters in Nicosia. "They did a very good job in Madrid, they drew but they could have won the game."
"Joe had a problem in the last few days. He can start from the bench, also Deco," said Ancelotti.
