They meet in the Premier League on Saturday at Stamford Bridge. Two-time defending champion Chelsea is just three points off the lead behind Manchester United, while the Hammers are teetering two points above the relegation zone in 16th place.

``I've had a few abusive texts from the lads,'' said West Ham striker Carlton Cole, who moved from Chelsea over the summer.

Chelsea forward Joe Cole and midfielder Frank Lampard are former West Ham players, and Hammers' fullback Paul Konchesky is the brother-in-law of Chelsea captain John Terry.

``There are a lot of relationships on the pitch and there will be lots of banter,'' Carlton Cole said.

Cole became expendable at Chelsea with the emergence of Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba, who has 14 goals already with two-thirds of the season remaining.

Chelsea has scored eight goals in its last two games and, with no fresh injury worries, the production seems likely to continue.

``He (Drogba) has been phenomenal and an important part of their jigsaw,'' Cole said. ``Hopefully our defence can cope with him.''

Seven other games are set for Saturday: Manchester City vs. Fulham (Rogers Sportsnet, 7:30 a.m. ET), Arsenal vs. Newcastle, Everton vs. Bolton (Fox Sports World Canada, 5 p.m. ET delay), Portsmouth vs. Watford, Reading vs. Charlton, Sheffield United vs. Manchester United (Rogers Sportsnet, 10 a.m. ET) , Middlesbrough vs. Liverpool (Rogers Sportsnet, 12:30 p.m. ET).

On Sunday it's Wigan vs. Aston Villa, Blackburn vs. Tottenham (Fox Sports World Canada, 11 a.m. ET).

The biggest league match of the season comes next weekend with Chelsea plays at Manchester United.

This weekend Man United, which hasn't won the league title since 2003, will have to stay focused against 17th-place Sheffield United. The Yorkshire club is just one point above relegation, which is occupied by Newcastle and Watford with nine points, and Charlton with eight.

Man United manager Alex Ferguson also faces a possible distraction, with a Champions League showdown looming against Celtic on Tuesday in his native Scotland.

Celtic is trying to make the final 16 of the Champions League of the first time.

``It's definitely a massive game for us but we know that if we win it might be enough to see us through,'' Celtic striker Kenny Miller said.

Man United could get a boost from striker Wayne Rooney, who scored his first goal in a year for the national team in Tuesday's 1-1 draw at the Netherlands. However, winger Ryan Giggs is doubtful with an ankle injury picked up in a 3-0 victory Tuesday over Liechtenstein.

Arsenal has quietly moved into third place with 21 points _ 10 behind Man United. However, the Gunners have played one fewer game than the other top clubs going into Saturday's match in London against struggling Newcastle.

The Gunners are likely to be without Brazil midfielder Gilberto, who has returned to Brazil for what's been described as ``family matters.''

``I would say there is an 80-per-cent chance he will miss the Newcastle game,'' Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said.

Another loss would pile the pressure on Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder.

Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given played in his first game since perforating his bowel in September as Ireland beat San Marino 5-0 in a European Championship qualifier this week. He's likely to be named in the squad to play Arsenal.

Les Reed will be in charge for the first time at Charlton after replacing Iain Dowie on Tuesday. Dowie was the first manager fired in the Premier League this season.

``I do not think the fans want to see a complete revolution,'' said Reed, who was Dowie's assistant. ``They want to see a team which is passionate, well organized and appears to be well coached. That is what I intend to give them.''

In the League Championship, leader Cardiff played Queens Park Rangers on Friday. On Saturday, Preston is at Leicester and Birmingham hosts Wolverhampton.

Cardiff has 36 points, followed by Preston and Birmingham with 33.