John Terry will miss the visit of Manchester United on Sunday because of a knee problem, meaning that Gary Cahill is likely to make his debut in a blue shirt.
Ashley Cole is also missing for the Blues because of suspension, meaning that Jose Bosingwa is likely to switch to the left side to deal with the in-form Antonio Valencia.
Frank Lampard may play but is struggling with a calf problem, while Fernando Torres is again is expected to start and will be hoping to score like he did in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford.
The Spaniard's clever finish over fellow countryman David de Gea was however overshadowed that day because of his glaring miss with the whole goal to aim at.
De Gea will be in goal for the Red Devils as Anders Lindegaard has been ruled out injured for up to six weeks.
Tom Cleverley is available for selection for the first time since October while Ashley Young, Wayne Rooney and Nani have all been declared fit to play.
Current Form:
Chelsea: DLWWDD
United: WLLWWW
Possible lineups:
Chelsea: Cech; Ivanovic, Cahill, Luiz, Bosingwa; Romeu, Essien, Meireles; Sturridge, Torres, Mata
United: De Gea; Smalling, Jones, Ferdinand, Evra; Valencia, Carrick, Scholes, Nani; Rooney, Hernandez
Sports Mole says: 1-1
Pascal Lemesre
