Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho will be hopeful that his side can strengthen their position at the top of the Premier League table when they host West Ham United on Boxing Day.

Despite dominating much of the first half of the season, the Blues could have fallen down to second place if they had lost to Stoke City on Monday evening, but after prevailing 2-0 at the Britannia Stadium, they sit three points ahead of Manchester City.

As they look to maintain their 100% record at Stamford Bridge, Mourinho is expected to keep changes to a minimum, with Oscar the most likely to earn a recall in place of John Obi Mikel.

That would see Cesc Fabregas, who has already provided 12 assists this campaign, dropping back to play alongside Nemanja Matic.

West Ham make the short trip across London having recorded four wins and a draw from their last five fixtures to sit two points clear in fourth place.

The Hammers have won just three away games this season but they boast the third best attack and the in-form Andy Carroll could give John Terry and Gary Cahill one of their toughest 90 minutes of the season.

Carroll's strike partner Diafra Sakho could be replaced by Enner Valencia, while midfielder Mark Noble is expected to be available after an Achilles problem.

Chelsea:

Form in Premier League: WDWLWW
Form in all competitions: WLWWWW

Possible starting lineup: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Fabregas, Matic; Willian, Oscar, Hazard; Costa

West Ham United:

Recent form: LWWWDW

Possible starting lineup: Adrian, Jenkinson, Tomkins, Reid, Cresswell, Song, Kouyate, Nolan, Downing, Valencia, Carroll

Sports Mole says: 2-1

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