This is the 17th London top-flight derby of the season between the two clubs whose Premier League games have yielded the lowest numbers of goals.

West Ham are comfortably encamped in the top half, seeking their first back-to-back victories in 21 Premier League outings.

Chelsea take the field for the first time since losing the Carling Cup final to Tottenham on Sunday, eager to extend their nine-match unbeaten league run that's left them six points behind the top two and nine points off the pace.

The now triple-chasing Blues have won three more away league games this term, than West Ham have managed at home (eight to five).

Chelsea are attempting to beat West Ham for the sixth successive time in the Premier League.