The second of Chelsea’s four games in ten days sees them take on Reading at Stamford Bridge.
Serious injuries to Blues goalkeepers Petr Cech and Carlo Cudicini overshadowed the reverse fixture in October.
Stephen Hunt’s challenge on Cech divided opinion but the majority felt that he could have avoided leaving Cech with a fractured skull.
A hostile atmosphere awaits the Irishman.
John Terry will miss a fourth straight game with a back injury that may keep him out for three more weeks, while Cudicini is still absent with a leg muscle strain suffered at Bolton.
Reading have no new injury worries.
If Chelsea beat the Royals they will top the Premiership table for the first time since 1st October.
Related links
- Essien: Hunt not the hunted
- Lampard lights fuse as Reading prepare to enter hostile territory
- Hunt calm ahead of Chelsea trip