Chelsea vs West Ham

In the corresponding match last year West Ham scored an early goal, saw Maniche sent off after seventeen minutes but went on to lose the game 4-1. With West Ham's poor away record this season and Drogba, in particular, on fire for Chelsea it is hard to see West Ham getting much out of this game. Chelsea have also now gone 50 games unbeaten at home in the Premiership.

In West Ham's favour many of the Chelsea squad were on international duty this week whilst the West Ham squad were mainly rested. With Chelsea in action in the Champions League next week and an important game against Man Utd coming up next weekend Mourinho may also see this game as an opportunity to rest some players. Also in Premiership head to head encounters between West Ham and Chelsea honours are fairly even with Chelsea slightly ahead only by 10 wins to nine.

Khalid Boulahrouz and Joe Cole may be doubtful for this game, both seeming to pick up slight knocks on international duty. For West Ham Collins and Ashton seem to be the only players out of contention.