Chelsea will be looking to bounce back from two games without a victory on Saturday afternoon when they take on struggling West Ham United at Stamford Bridge, report agencies.
With pressure exponentially rising on Manuel Pellegrini, many feel a defeat on Saturday may see him face the chopping block after a torrid start to the campaign for the Hammers. The biggest injury concern for Chelsea is Tammy Abraham, who was substituted after 45 minutes midweek and is doubtful to face West Ham on Saturday. The Englishman's ten league goals is the second most in the top flight, and he will be sorely missed if he is unable to feature.
However, following his heavy fall against Valencia, Abraham has played down the severity of the knock, saying he's hopeful it's only bruising. Callum Hudson-Odoi may return for the Blues, while Ross Barkley is doubtful and Antonio Rudiger and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are still sidelined.
West Ham are still without key figures and long-term absentees Manuel Lanzini and Lukasz Fabianski, while Issa Diop is suspended. Current cult villain Roberto may be replaced by David Martin in the West Ham goal following the Spaniard's calamitous recent performances.
Chelsea have faced West Ham 112 times in the past, with the first meeting between the pair dating back to 1923. The Blues have won 50 of the encounters, drawing 22 and losing 40. The most recent fixture between the pair also took place at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea beating West Ham 2-0 courtesy of goals from former fan favourite Eden Hazard.
Before last weekend's defeat to current champions Man City, Lampard's side had won six Premier League games on the bounce since losing to current league leaders Liverpool in late September. The Blues' last home game saw them beat Crystal Palace 2-0, and their defensive displays have been slightly more assured in recent weeks. However, it is the attacking prevalence of Chelsea that is so exciting. Saturday's hosts have scored in every game this season bar two, and they are playing the most attractive football they have played in years.
West Ham's form is a stark contrast with no victory in any competitions since Chelsea's last league defeat on 22 September. The Irons have lost five of their last six matches and have only won a single away game all campaign. West Ham have lost their last three and have conceded three goals in each of those games as well - results which have left Pellegrini on the brink of dismissal.
