Jose Mourinho's side have picked up just four points from their opening five league games, losing three times, and the distraction of a European fixture on Wednesday night will be a welcome one.
After falling at the last-16 stage against Paris Saint-Germain last season, the Blues will be targeting an improved performance in the competition this time around.
Indeed, it is believed the exit to the French champions played a significant part in Mourinho altering his approach to enable his side to peak later in the season and therefore be better prepared to compete for the Champions League at the latter end of the season.
Meanwhile, the visitors, managed by former Blues midfielder Slavisa Jokanovic, who guided Watford to promotion last season, are making their first appearance in the group stages for 11 years after beating Basel on away goals in a play-off.
Radamel Falcao has a minor problem and will miss Wednesday's Group G encounter, although his absence is expected to be for one game only, while playmaker Oscar is available following a knee injury.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is out for around three months following knee surgery, so Asmir Begovic will continue in goal, while defender Papy Djilobodji is not in the Champions League squad.
Mourinho may choose to freshen up his starting XI, however, due to his side's recent poor form and with a key Premier League clash with Arsenal in prospect on Saturday.
The visitors, meanwhile, are without Israel international full-back Eliazer Dasa, who is suspended for the clash at Stamford Bridge.
This is the first time these teams have played against each other.
Chelsea have played two matches against opposition from Israel before, failing to win either leg against Hapoel Tel Aviv in the UEFA Cup 2nd Round in 01/02 (D1 L1).
The Blues have only lost once in their last 35 home Champions League matches in the Group Stage.
Diego Costa didn't score a single goal in seven Champions League appearances last season with Chelsea after netting eight goals in nine games with Atletico Madrid in the previous campaign.
Maccabi Tel Aviv are making their second appearance in the Champions League group stages - the first one came in the 2004/05 campaign when they finished bottom of their group with one win (D1 L4).
No Israeli club has ever made it to the knockout stages of the Champions League. They've won only four of their 24 games in the group stages of the competition, with all four of these wins coming at home.
