Although we head to the east of the capital with a 100% record thus far, we are facing opposition who are currently sitting very wounded at the bottom of the league.

Whilst the odds are stacked heavily against an upset, Premier League history states that this won’t be a stroll at Upton Park.

No Frank Tomorrow :( ©Getty Images

The lack of Lampard will keep the occasion less fiery and will make our midfield a bit less certain. Malouda’s form has been exceptional and he has proven to be one of the most important names on the team sheet in the last season and a bit.

If Ramires is handed his full debut he will no doubt be vying to impress his new faithful and team mates alike and we may well benefit from that extra desire.

Whilst West Ham have Victor Obinna and Lars Jacobsen hoping to do the same –with one goal to their name so far they will be praying that Obinna has some sort of effect on their goal shy tendencies.

Avram Grant too will be licking his lips at the prospect of getting one over on the club who so quickly shoved him through the exit after our Champions’ League defeat to Man United.

It is also worth factoring in that a local derby often dismisses form and often the underdog will fight until the final whistle stubbornly refusing to bow down to the favourite.

West Ham are a team full of passion and English grit, we will have to be prepared for a fight. It is one of those matches that we have to try and play beautiful football in an ugly style.

I have said in the past that we play the sexiest route one football on offer, our versatility in football styles is one of the reasons we came away with silverware once more.

It will take yet another imperious display from Chelsea to come away with the full three, but we have the strength and focus to do it provided the much maligned International break hasn’t taken its toll on anyone.

Thank the lord that club football is back, and keep the blue flag flying high!