The first away game under new management requires only a 13-mile trip across London. The good news is despite only equalling last season's draw with our near neighbours, Fulham, the Blues rose to third in the table (thanks to West Brom's loss) and remain eight points better off than in the corresponding Barclays Premier League matches last season. Another positive: we don't have to play again in November for almost a whole year.

That said, Chelsea have now failed to score in two successive league games for the first time since stalemates against Aston Villa and Spurs in September 2004. When the same pattern happened in November 2001 it was followed by a 2-0 win at Leeds United in the League Cup. West Ham have not prevented Chelsea from scoring in our last 13 meetings.

It is often the draws that hamper a title challenge. Manchester United have tasted defeat more times than Chelsea this season but are yet to share points with any opponent. Unbeaten Man City are second because they have drawn five times, the same as the European champions.

West Ham will try to stop Fernando Torres, as he has bagged six goals in six games against Hammers to make them his favourite opponent.

With David Luiz suspended after receiving his fifth yellow card Chelsea will have to rearrange a back four that has managed consecutive shutouts. The silver lining to the absence of John Terry and illness to Gary Cahill moving Branislav Ivanovic infield is that César Azpilicueta now looks assured at right back, adding to the interim manager's reliable options.

The Blues will need to draw on all squad resources as we embark on a spell of nine matches in two continents and four competitions throughout December.

West Ham rank third on the list of teams against whom Chelsea have registered the most Premier League wins with 18. Only Tottenham (23) and Manchester City (20) games have yielded more victories.

No side can boast more successes against their current manager, Sam Allardyce, than Chelsea's 11. Irons goalie Jüssi Jääskeläinen has managed only one win in 19 meetings with the Blues compared with 14 defeats.

The Hammers' recent form has been fitful. Although Andy Carroll opened his account at White Hart Lane they were soundly beaten 1-3. The Hammers needed to respond to arguably their worst performance this season in that derby match.

In midweek, although they went behind after half a minute at Old Trafford to a fortuitously deflected Robin van Persie shot, they battled well, had chances of their own and stopped Man United from adding to their total.

The Irons are unbeaten in three games at the Boleyn, two of them draws against Man City and Stoke. Following Fulham's blanket defence at the Bridge, interim Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez has welcomed playing away since home sides are generally more inclined to attack Chelsea and perhaps leave gaps to exploit.
Chelsea have already enjoyed capital gains at the Emirates and White Hart Lane this season. Victory at the Boleyn Ground would complete the set on the home turfs of our most enduring London rivals.

Lunchtime live TV kick-offs seem to have a reputation for being somnambulant affairs, yet the away victories at Arsenal (2-1) and Spurs (4-2) were both 12.45pm starts and obviously highly enjoyable from the west London perspective.


- Match preview by chelseafc.com