Former Chelsea midfielder Gianfranco Zola returns to Stamford Bridge as a manager for the first time and he will be forgiven for being pessimistic going into this game; Chelsea have won the last 7 meetings between the sides in a row since the end of 2004.

The Italian is still under some pressure despite a win at Sunderland (1-0) three weeks ago; that has been their only win in 10 games and has been followed by a decent 0-0 draw at Liverpool and a poor loss at home to Spurs (0-2).

Goals have been the problem for West Ham and they have scored just once in their last 4; defensively, though they have been solid at times, claiming 3 clean sheets in a row until their 0-2 loss against Spurs last week.

Chelsea have not been great at home this season (3-3-2), but their two losses have been against Liverpool (0-1) and Arsenal (2-1); apart from a surprise 0-0 draw against Newcastle a fortnight ago, Chelsea have won all 8 of their other games in their last 11 – and all without conceding.

Chelsea are an average of $1.23 to win and they shouldn’t disappoint, but there is value in the home win to nil, offered at $1.72 from Paddy Power and this is the bet.

BETZINE UK TIP *****

Bet: Chelsea win to nil Odds: $1.72 Stake: 8pts Bookies: Paddy Power

Match Betting Previews 13-14 December 2008 >>> Premiership: Aston Villa v Bolton - Liverpool v Hull - Man City v Everton - Middlesbrough v Arsenal - Stoke v Fulham - Sunderland v WBA - Spurs v Man United - Wigan v Blackburn - Chelsea v West Ham - Portsmouth v Newcastle La Liga: Barcelona v Real Madrid - Sevilla v Villarreal - Recreativo v Osasuna Serie A: Juventus v Milan - Inter v Chievo - Genoa v Atalanta Ligue 1: Le Mans v Bordeaux - Lyon v Marseille Bundesliga: Stuttgart v Bayern - Hoffenheim v Schalke