Guus Hiddink has backed West Ham to finish in the top four and qualify for the Champions League for the first time in their history this season.

Hiddink has been impressed by Slaven Bilic's side, who take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge tomorrow.

West Ham are currently in fifth, but will go above Arsenal and Manchester City this weekend if they beat their west London rivals and the other two lose.

Hiddink said: "They are in the mood being in fifth position. They are dreaming of making a dream come true to make fourth position.

"Can they? Yes. This is a team that have not just shown a lot of character, but they've also shown they can play. They have players who can score and be decisive at any minute.

"I expect a tough match because they are doing very well. If you see them play at home and away, they are a courageous team, who can be very fast on the counter attack.

"They have very skilful players who can make decisions in a second. It's a nice and adventurous team to watch."

In Pictures: Everton vs Chelsea 13 show all In Pictures: Everton vs Chelsea 1/13 Lukaku haunts Chelsea Romelu Lukaku celebrating his second goal against Chelsea. 2/13 Very naughty boy Diego Costa receives his marching orders late on. 3/13 Turf war Goodison Park before the cup clash. 4/13 Signed, sealed, delivered Rolemu Lukaku autographs a shirt before the game. 5/13 Wrap up Chelsea scarves are laid out for the visiting supporters. 6/13 Money man Everton's new major shareholder Farhad Moshiri arrives to applause. 7/13 The forgotten man Alexandre Pato missed out on a squad place. 8/13 Lukaku's back Romelu Lukaku looks for a way past his old team-mates. 9/13 FA Cup battle Diego Costa looks to try a wrestling move on his opponent early on. 10/13 Typical... Costa and Gareth Barry clash early on, with the Chelsea striker booked. 11/13 Wing wizard Willian chips the ball past Tom Cleverley. 12/13 Costa close Costa went close for Chelsea but couldn't finish from a tight angle after rounding Joel Robles. 13/13 Romelu off the mark Lukaku wheels away in delight after a superb opener. 1/13 Lukaku haunts Chelsea Romelu Lukaku celebrating his second goal against Chelsea. 2/13 Very naughty boy Diego Costa receives his marching orders late on. 3/13 Turf war Goodison Park before the cup clash. 4/13 Signed, sealed, delivered Rolemu Lukaku autographs a shirt before the game. 5/13 Wrap up Chelsea scarves are laid out for the visiting supporters. 6/13 Money man Everton's new major shareholder Farhad Moshiri arrives to applause. 7/13 The forgotten man Alexandre Pato missed out on a squad place. 8/13 Lukaku's back Romelu Lukaku looks for a way past his old team-mates. 9/13 FA Cup battle Diego Costa looks to try a wrestling move on his opponent early on. 10/13 Typical... Costa and Gareth Barry clash early on, with the Chelsea striker booked. 11/13 Wing wizard Willian chips the ball past Tom Cleverley. 12/13 Costa close Costa went close for Chelsea but couldn't finish from a tight angle after rounding Joel Robles. 13/13 Romelu off the mark Lukaku wheels away in delight after a superb opener.

Chelsea haven't lost at home to West Ham since 2002, but will be without striker Diego Costa (tendon) and winger Eden Hazard (thigh).

Hiddink, who has won just three games in all competitions at home since taking over from Jose Mourinho in December, admits their unbeaten streak against the Hammers is at risk.

He added: "Regarding that statistic (unbeaten since 2002 against them), it doesn't mean a lot. I hope we can add a positive statistic to that, but they have been in the mood for weeks now.

"They are still in the FA Cup and were unlucky to get the away win at Manchester United last week (ended 1-1).

"It means they are in the mood so statistics from the past don't mean much to me."

Realistically, Chelsea have only pride to play for this term after being knocked out of the Champions League and FA Cup last week.

They are in a lowly 10th place in the top flight, seven points behind Manchester United in sixth and a potential Europa League place.

Hiddink insists he will use some of the remaining nine League matches to play more of the youngsters.

He said: "It's a difficult situation now for chelsea from where we dreamed of in December - top four - that's impossible.

"We are now in the situation where we have to face the facts of being out of the Champions League and FA Cup, so there are circumstances where youngsters, especially after the international break, can get chances.

"There are no guarantees. They have to knock on the door, but they will probably get some more chances."

Hiddink also revealed Radamel Falcao, who hasn't played since October due to a thigh problem, could also feature next month.

Falcao has scored just one League goal since joining on a season-long loan from Monaco last summer.

Hiddink explained: "Falcao has had a very difficult time with injuries. He has recovered physically and now has to regain his fitness.

"He is doing that and has been training the last 10 days with the first team. We will see after the international break if he is fully competitive. We have to see how he reacts to more intensive training."

Hiddink also confirmed that Alexandre Pato, who has yet to make an appearance since joining on loan from Corinthians in January, is no closer to playing for the first team.