Mourinho has never lost to West Ham in the Premier League
Jose Mourinho takes Chelsea to West Ham on Wednesday night fresh from securing the first trophy of his second spell at the club.
The Blues beat Tottenham 2-0 in Sunday's Capital One Cup final, and Manchester City's defeat at Liverpool on the same day handed Mourinho's men further initiative in the Premier League title race.
Chelsea's last league outing saw them held by Burnley in a controversial affair at Stamford Bridge but Mourinho boasts a good record against West Ham, who are enduring something of a blip.
The Hammers haven't won in five Premier League games, going the whole month of February without victory as they also crashed out of the FA Cup.
Defeat at home to Crystal Palace saw Sam Allardyce's men slip to ninth in the table and severely dent their European hopes ahead of their clash with the league leaders.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho guarantees that captain John Terry will sign a new contract.
Team news
Carlton Cole remains a major doubt for West Ham as he struggles to overcome a hamstring injury, while Morgan Amalfitano is still suspended. Nene came off the bench and impressed against Crystal Palace and could play from the start.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho plans to rotate his options after Sunday's victory at Wembley. Midfielder Nemanja Matic will complete his two-match suspension after his dismissal for his reaction to a tackle by Burnley's Ashley Barnes.
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says he is still unsure whether or not Winston Reid will be at the club next season. Reid has been offered a new deal but Al
Midfielder John Obi Mikel has had a minor knee operation and is out until early April.
Opta facts
Mourinho has a record of six wins and no defeats in seven Barclays Premier League matches as a coach against West Ham.
Chelsea have won 13 and lost just one of the last 17 Barclays Premier League games against the Hammers.
The Blues have lost just two of their last 16 Premier League away matches (W10 D4 L2).
Branislav Ivanovic has scored in four of his last seven appearances in all competitions for Chelsea
Only one team has prevented Chelsea from scoring in their last 27 Premier League matches (Sunderland).
Allardyce’s team failed to muster a single shot on target when they met Chelsea in the reverse fixture on Boxing Day.
Branislav Ivanovic has scored in four of his last seven appearances in all competitions for Chelsea.
The Hammers have won just one of their last 10 Premier League matches (W1 D5 L4).
Merson’s prediction
The crowd are on Allardyce’s back at Upton Park. It’s harsh, but after starting off so well people thought they were going to carry on, but it’s hard. The top teams come to the fore right at the end, and West Ham and Southampton now just seem to be a little bit short.
You could tell after the final at Wembley that Chelsea were buzzing. That’s one of three potential trophies this season and you could see Mourinho’s delight. He’s a winner, and I don’t think they’ll slip again. especially at Upton Park against a wounded West Ham.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-2
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