The Chelsea assistant boss described how the dressing room was like a morgue after Liverpool's 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, which brought the Blues' 86-game unbeaten home league record to an end.

But Wilkins has seen a determined reaction in training - and he expects a similarly emphatic response on the field against the high-flying Premier League newcomers.

"The dressing room was morgue-like. They were very very down," said Wilkins.

"They set themselves standards of performance and they feel they didn't quite reach that. Therefore they are doubly determined to bounce back.

"It was a phenomenal record we had but it's gone. The disappointment wasn't the fact the record went, it was that we lost three points to Liverpool.

"The team have reacted very well indeed. The lads are in an extremely positive frame of mind.

"They are a very strong-willed group and I am sure that will see us through okay.

"No-one likes being defeated and when you have a group of winners like we have, they found it very difficult to take that defeat.

"They will be trying doubly hard to make sure the next result we have is a positive result."

Despite that extra determination, Wilkins does not expect an easy ride against a Hull side brimming with confidence after victories over Arsenal, Tottenham, West Ham and a 3-0 thumping of West Brom at the weekend.

Remarkably, the Chelsea-Hull game pitches second against third in the Premier League and Wilkins admitted: "You would not have said that at the start of the season, to be perfectly honest.

"It is great to see the work they have done there at Hull, their work ethic is fantastic so we know we are in for one hell of a game there.

"They have done exceptionally well, wins at Arsenal, wins at Tottenham. It is up to us to go and put ourselves upon Hull and make it a very interesting night for them.

"I don't think a defeat tomorrow will burst their bubble because they have demonstrated they can play. One defeat is not going to upset them too much - but it is our aim to inflict that defeat on them."

Chelsea have Joe Cole available again after the England international recovered from a foot injury, and the Blues have missed his creative edge in recent weeks.

"Any side that misses a player of the calibre of Joe will have a slight struggle," said Wilkins.

"Joe gives us lots of options - he can play left side, right side or through the middle.

"We have worked very hard to try and block that gap up but Joe gives us something very special and it is nice to have him back."

Chelsea are still without Michael Ballack and Michael Essien but striker Didier Drogba has returned to training after suffering a knee injury in the 0-0 Champions League draw at Cluj on October 1.