Chelsea v Southend
Chelsea are likely to be without defender Alex and winger Florent Malouda after both players collected hamstring injuries in the 2-2 draw with Fulham at
Craven Cottage and are very doubtful.
Michael Essien is still out with a knee ligament problem but Ricardo Carvalho is fit again following an eight-week spell out of action with knee and hamstring injuries while Michael Ballack and captain John Terry are suspended.
Southend manager Steve Tilson hopes to have striker Francis Laurent available as he bids to recover from illness although Lee Barnard could take his place in the starting XI after starting on the bench against the Dons with Alex Revell also pressing for a place.
Jean Francois-Christophe is available after securing a permanent transfer from Portsmouth following a successful loan spell. The midfielder has not figured in the Shrimpers first team since late November after suffering a hamstring injury but is fit enough to return to the side.