Midfield duo aim to get Chelsea title bid back on track

Chelsea

• German midfielder Michael Ballack is available again after a one-match ban.
• Juliano Belletti is also back after suspension.
• Left back Yury Zhirkov is hoping to return after a calf injury.
• Leading scorer Didier Drogba has scored ten goals in his last 11 Premier League games.
• Chelsea are unbeaten in their last ten meetings against West Ham.

• Goalkeeper Petr Cech is out for another fortnight with a calf strain.
• Left back Ashley Cole will miss the rest of the season after ankle surgery.
• Midfielder Michael Essien is still sidelined after knee surgery.
• The Blues’ 4-2 defeat to Man City in their last league game was their first home defeat this season.
• Full back Jose Bosingwa is out for the rest of the campaign with a long-term knee injury.

West Ham United

• West Ham drew 1-1 against Chelsea when the sides met earlier this season.
• Striker Benni McCarthy is hoping to be fit after a knee injury.

• Midfilelder Mark Noble is out with a broken arm.
• Herita Ilunga is sidelined for another week with injury.
• Daniel Gabbidon is still struggling with a hamstring problem.
• Zavon Hines remains doubtful with a knee injury.
• The Hammers have scored only twice in their last five meetings against Chelsea.
• West Ham have still not won away in the league since the opening day of the season.

Expert Advice

It’s not been the easiest couple of weeks for Chelsea but last weekend’s FA Cup win over Stoke could prove to be one of the most important yet in the Blues’ season. Carlo Ancelotti’s side surrendered their 15-month unbeaten run in their last home league game but they put that setback behind them last week and confidence will have been restored as they try to keep pace with Manchester United. West Ham are still a difficult team to predict but their form remains poor on the road and it’s hard to see that changing at Stamford Bridge. With this in mind, a home win by two goals or more at Betsson’s price of 1.62 looks a sound bet.

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