Richard Walker / 13 December 2008 Free Bet

Twice as many points, twice as many goals scored, four times as few goals conceded - why wouldn't you back Chelsea to beat West Ham at Stamford Bridge this Sunday afternoon?

Well I've give you my reasons, which you're at liberty to ignore at will. Big Phil Scolari is trying to play down the impact of Didier Drogba on his side. The African striker - back from a Premier League suspension for this one - came off the bench to wrap things up in the week but his manager is suggesting Nicolas Anelka is just as vital to the Blues' squad.

This might lead him to start the Frenchman over the Ivorian again, just to prove a point more than anything. And it's this malcontented talk at in west London that's edging me towards backing The Draw at a juicy [6.2].

I'd not be so bold as to suggest [17.0] shots West Ham could nick it at The Bridge, but Chelsea - a mere [1.27] to support - have a home record which tells of only three wins and three draws from eight matches. Hardly the form of champions.

That said, they're unlikely to slip up twice but a 0-0 draw is my main selection for this 4pm Sky Sports encounter, priced as it is at [17.5] in the Correct Score list. I'm taking heart from a very compact Hammers' display at Anfield recently and adding it to the way Chelsea have stopped running in too many goals at home of late.

I wouldn't have countenanced this suggestion earlier in the campaign when Scolari's boys were flying but something ain't right just now. Listen, it could well be a routine home win - and if that's the way you feel, you've got stuff like Chelsea/Chelsea in the Half-Time/Full-Time list at [1.76], or 3-0 to the hosts at [8.2] as a Correct Score option. Don't get me wrong, I'm not blind to the possibilities here.

As large a price as I've seen it this season, I think the [3.0] about The Draw as a Half-Time result should be availed of. I can see Chelsea having to warm to the pace of the game after extending themselves to record that necessary midweek victory in the Champions League.

If it's not be goalless, glancing down the First Goalscorer list, West Ham old boys Frank Lampard [5.8] and Joe Cole [11.0] wouldn't be scoring out of turn so, if you think there'll be goals, perhaps one of those two might be for you.

Me? I'll be busy backing a West Ham clean sheet at [10.0] and banking on a drab goalless draw. I'm hoping West Ham aren't about to enter into the Christmas spirit of giving just yet. Whatever you're on - good luck.