Chelsea plays host to West Ham United on Boxing Day with the hopes of extending their lead to six points in the Premier League. However, that may be easier said than done considering the progress that Hammers have been showing, a far cry from the previous "18th century football" tag that Jose Mourhino gave them last year.
With a rejuvenated season, the Hammers have become the surprise of the season as they occupy fourth place and are just a point behind Manchester United in third place. And all that will be put to the test when they face the Blues at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day.
One thing going for the Blues is that the Hammers could be missing some key players. That includes Stewart Downing, Andy Carroll and Mark Noble, all of whom are reportedly nursing calf problems.
Chelsea may be playing without Eden Hazard as well after going down with an injury in their last match against Stoke over at the Britannia Stadium. Though strong favourites, the Blues cannot take the high flying hammers lightly. West Ham has only lost once since September although Mourinho is expected to have a plan to ensure that the Blues ruin their record.
The Blues have not tasted defeat in their last six top-flight London derbies and it doesn't look like Chelsea will allow that happen even with Hazard out.
It remains to be seen if the Hammers could defy the odds against the Blues who are trying to maintain their position in the table.
The game will start at 12.45 p.m. GMT (7.45 a.m. EDT) and can be watched on TV in the US on NBC Sports or online through live stream by clicking here.
