Analysis:

After being beaten by Manchester City 4-2 two weeks ago, Chelsea will aim to get back to the top of the Premiership with a win here. They did beat Stoke 2-0 in the FA Cup last weekend and will now want to show that they are over that defeat .

Chelsea knows that with Manchester United not playing until tomorrow and Arsenal playing later they can go to the top for a while so a win is a must here.

But Chelsea might have one eye on Tuesday's Champions League clash with Inter Milan, as former manager and 'special one' Jose Mourinho returns to his old club.

Chelsea knows they cannot suffer an other defeat here as that would mean three defeats in four games. Gianfranco Zola's men are currently just three points above the relegation zone so there is all to play for them as well. But Zola, a former Chelsea player saw his side get beaten by Bolton 2-1 to Bolton at home in their last clash.

West Ham does not play well away as they have won just once away all season. But take note that the last time the Hammers travelled to Chelsea the match ended in a 1-1 draw with Craig Bellamy scoring the opener before Nicholas Anelka equalised for the Blues.

West Ham would definitely settle for a point in this match.

As for the team news ahead of this game, third-choice goalkeeper Ross Turnbull will start as Hilario is set to miss out with a groin injury and Cech is already out of the side. Midfielder Michael Ballack and defender Juliano Belletti returns to the side after serving their suspensions.

But they also have a huge injury list which includes However, they have an injury list which includes Petr Cech, Ashley Cole, Jose Bosingwa and Yuri Zhirkov. Also out includes Ricardo Carvalho out, as are Michael Essien and Deco.

For West Ham, January signing Benni McCarthy has returned to full training and is pushing for a start. Midfielders Junior Stanislas and Jack Collison have also been in training and could start, while Keiron Dyer may start after playing nearly a full half against Bolton weekend.

Meanwhile defender Danny Gabbidon could be on the bench as he played for more than an hour in a friendly against Major League Soccer side the San Jose Earthquakes on Monday avfter being out since December with a hamstring injury.

But they will miss Manuel Da Costa who is out after being shown the red card in a reserve match. Herita Ilunga and Julien Faubert are doubts with knocks, while Frank Nouble has returned from his loan spell at West Brom and could start.

Mark Noble is definitely out, while Zavon Hines and Luis Boa Morte are long term absentees for the Hammers.

Take Chelsea to win this match but not more than a goal here.

Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser

The Pick :

Chelsea 2-1

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take Chelsea to win.

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take West Ham and accept the 1 3/4 ball here.