Chelsea

Chelsea look to bring back fortress Stamford Bridge after losing their unbeaten record at home last time out in the Premier League with their 2-4 loss to Manchester City. There is a danger that the players could be looking forward to Tueday's big match with Inter Milan and the return of Jose Mourinho as they look to progress in the Champions League but they need points here.

Chelsea have dropped from the top of the Premier League after playing in the FA Cup last weekend and now find themselves 2 points behind Manchester United with a game extra to play. They have a chance to go back on top of the League as United do not play until Sunday, and will look to improve their record at Stamford Bridge, which currently is 12-1-1 with 41 goals scored and 12 conceded. Chelsea have scored the most goals at home this season in the League alongside Arsenal.

The Blues had lost back to back games before beating Stoke 2-0 at home last weekend. They have had a bit of a blip in the Premier League and have lost 2 of their last 3 games. Chelsea have won 8 of their last 9 games in all competitions at Stamford Bridge and they have scored at least 2 goals in their last 12 games at home.

Julian Belletti and Michael Ballack are both back from suspension but both Yuri Zhirkov and Ricardo Carvalho remain doubtful. Alex is in line to play centre back for Chelsea after a very good performance last weekend.
[UPDATE: Ross Turnbull starts in goal for Chelsea after Hilario is ruled out through injury]

West Ham United

West Ham United looked to be going in the right direction with recent performances, but their 1-2 home defeat to Bolton has put them back in danger in a tight bottom half of the table. They now have a couple of tough games against sides in the top 3 of the League and may find themselves in real danger once these 2 matches are out of the way.

The Hammers are 16th in the Premier League but only 3 points better off than the 3 sides directly below them. They have a 1-5-8 record away from home and have scored 12 goals but conceded 23 in those games. A key element for them at the bottom of the League is their vastly superior goal difference to the sides around them, which could be the same benefit as an extra point come the end of season.

The 7 points they have picked up at Upton Park from the last 12 available there have helped pull West Ham up the table. However, they have lost back to back away games and have failed to win in 13 away Premier League games since winning on the opening day at Wolves. West Ham lost at Manchester United 3-0 recently in a disappointing performance.

Benni McCarthy and Danny Gabbidon could both make returns to the squad. Julien Faubert and Herita Ilunga are both doubtful for this game.

Head to Head

Chelsea and West Ham have drawn 2 of their last 3 games between the sides.

The game here at Stamford Bridge ended 1-1 last season, but Chelsea have won 3 games in a row here against West Ham before that. Interestingly, only 1 of those games saw Chelsea win by more than 1 goal.

Prediction

Chelsea need to get their title challenge back on track and this is one of those games that the title contenders will be expecting to win and move on. They do have a big game in midweek which may take some of the focus away from the match, but there is a lot of experience in the squad to expect a professional performance.

West Ham United have a tough couple of League games coming up in Chelsea and Arsenal but Gianfranco Zola will hope his side do not take any confidence sapping defeats. With the 2 teams directly below them playing this weekend, West Ham could find themselves back in the relegation zone after the game with Arsenal.

This is an interesting test for Chelsea, because West Ham have been playing well while Chelsea have looked a little suspect at the back. I can see Chelsea winning this game, as they seem to score at least 2 at home recently, but I think it may be closer than expected. I will play West Ham on the handicap.

The Pick :

Chelsea 2-1 West Ham United

HANDICAP BETTING :

West Ham United + 1.75 Asian Handicap