West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce is likely to hand new loan signings Marco Boriello and Antonio Nocerino their debuts as the Irons take on Chelsea in the Premier League this evening.

The two sides will be searching for three points for very different reasons. The Blues need a victory to maintain their title challenge while a victory for the Hammers would be a big boost in their battle against relegation.

Kevin Nolan could return to the West Ham side after his four-match ban came to an end following the defeat to Manchester City last week but Joe Cole will miss the trip to his old club with a groin injury.

Fernando Torres (knee) and midfielder Marco van Ginkel (knee) will be absent for Chelsea while Jose Mourinho could hand former West Ham striker a start against his former club.

It will be a difficult task for Allardyce’s men at Stamford Bridge as the Blues have won six of their last seven league matches and are unbeaten since the start of December.