CHELSEA v West Ham: Alex and Ramires expected to be ruled out again

Alex and Ramires are again set to be absent for Chelsea when they host West Ham in the Barclays Premier League. The Brazilian duo have missed the last two matches with hamstring injuries but are expected to be fit for next weekend's game against Tottenham. Villain: Ramires hasn't featured since getting sent-off during Chelsea's Champions League exit to Manchester United Branislav Ivanovic could return after sitting out Wednesday night's match against Birmingham with a muscle strain, while Ashley Cole is expected to shrug off the slight ankle knock that forced him off in midweek. Provisional squad: Cech, Bosingwa, Ferreira, Terry, Luiz, Ivanovic, Zhirkov, Cole, Bertrand, Mikel, Essien, Lampard, Benayoun, Kalou, Malouda, Anelka, Torres, Drogba, Turnbull. CLICK HERE FOR THE WEEKEND TEAM NEWS IN THE BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE  Explore more:People: Ashley Cole Places: Birmingham