Chelsea go to The Hawthorns looking for our first victory there since 2011. We have been beaten in the last two matches at the ground, but this year, both teams head into the contest with contrasting fortunes. West Brom have not had a win since the New Year’s day and it has seen them tumble into the relegation zone.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have gone top of the table after a run of 11 matches without defeat. We have also conceded just two goals during this period.
Team News:
Jose Mourinho has confirmed that John Terry still remains on the sidelines, but there is good news in the form of Fernando Torres returning to selection. Apart from that, Chelsea have fully fit squad for this encounter.
Stephane Sessegnon, and Goran Popov are likely to miss out for West Brom, while Jonas Olsson is a doubt. Our former striker Nicolas Anelka is also unlikely to take part in the match.
Predicted line-ups:
West Brom (4-2-3-1): Foster, Ridgewell, Dawson, McAuley, Jones, Brunt, Mulumbu, Berahino, Morrison, Thievy, Anichebe
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Cech, Ivanovic, Cahill, Luiz, Azpilicueta, Ramires, Lampard, Salah, Oscar, Hazard, Eto’o
Torres, though, is unlikely to start after missing the last few matches. This means that Samuel Eto’o may start this sixth consecutive match, although the weekend’s FA Cup match against Manchester city may influence Mourinho’s selection. There is likely to be rotation in the front three behind the striker. Mohamed Salah, who came on as substitute against Newcastle, may make his first start. His explosive pace might actually be useful on the counter in this away match.
Betting Preview:
Chelsea backed by bookies – although not by a long way – for an away victory. We are 1/2 for an away win. Samuel Eto’o just edges out Eden Hazard at 9/2 for the first goal. Incredibly, Torres is also rated the same as Hazard for the first goal at 5/1.
Mourinho’s preview:
Mourinho is incredible!
I think the midfield will be matic and ramirez and willian will drop for salah
Midfield should be mikel & ramires not lampard .