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Festive leaders 4-1 for points record

CHELSEA continue to set a relentless pace and if the leaders keep it up the Premier League points record could be in danger this season.

Monday’s 2-0 win at Stoke moved them three points clear of Manchester City, on 42 points for the campaign from 17 matches – an average of 2.47 per game.

Over the course of a 38-match season that average would be enough for just under 94 points, meaning that only a slight improvement would be needed to eclipse their own record of 95, set in 2004-05.

Bet365 are offering 4-1 that Chelsea finish with at least 96 points and they are 5-1 to claim the title by at least ten points as Jose Mourinho’s men head into the festive period in fine spirits.

Eden Hazard has told a Belgian newspaper that he should be fine for the clash with West Ham on Friday despite being substituted at the Britannia Stadium as Chelsea aim to make it nine straight home league wins at Stamford Bridge in this campaign.

The leaders are clear of any serious injuries – unlike many of their main rivals in this hectic period – and can be backed at 4-9 to win the title, while bet365 rate the Blues 5-2 to go unbeaten at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League this season.

Aston Villa forward Gabriel Agbonlahor has won his appeal against the red card he received during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United so he will be available for Friday’s difficult trip to Swansea.

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