Analysis:

The importance of this match cannot be undermined as The Blues can go four points clear at the top when they clash with Hull at the KC Stadium in this re-arranged match.

Chelsea knows they cannot afford to drop points with Manchester United close behind and a win here can put them further ahead from the Red Devils. Even though they won their last four league games they were still below their best against a Burnley side as they scraped to a 2-1 win thanks to Captain John Terry.

Hull faces a gigantic task as they have not won in nine games coming into this clash and are now battling against relegation. The bottom half of the table is so congested that a victory over Chelsea would lift the Tigers from 19th to 14th and boost morale. But that is a tall order for the Tigers.

As for the team news, Manager Phil Brown has brought in Egyptian striker Amr Zaki and resisting several bids from Wolves for key midfielder Stephen Hunt. Hunt, who scored at Chelsea on the opening day of the season and found the target against Wolves on Saturday, will definitely start and Zaki could also make his full debut in this fixture.

Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, Jozy Altidore and Craig Fagan are also vying for places in attack, but Daniel Cousin has joined Greek side Larissa on loan.

Jimmy Bullard is still a few weeks away from a comeback following a knee injury and Seyi Olofinjana has yet to return from the African Cup of Nations, however, Kamil Zayatte (ankle) and Geovanni (knee) could be back for this match.

As for Chelsea, Ivory Coast duo Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou is back after they were rested against Burnley. Midfielder Michael Essien is out with a knee injury, while Juliano Belletti (calf) is also sidelined. Ashley Cole has recovered from the knock and should start the match.

Take Chelsea and give the handicap here.

Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser

The Pick :

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