Chelsea vs West Bromwich: Team news and Prediction

Cesc Fabregas is a big doubt for Chelsea

Chelsea are massive favourites ahead of the West Brom’s visit on Saturday afternoon, despite the injury doubt concerning Cesc Fabregas. The Spaniard was forced to withdraw from the international squad during the club football break, and is expected to touch-and-go ahead of Saturday’s match.

The Blues are firmly in charge of the Premier League title race, but a slip-up against West Brom will put the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal and perhaps even Southampton on red alert.

We have a busy schedule coming up towards Christmas, with a Champions League tie against Schalke as early as Tuesday evening. So a comfortable win where we can rest a few players towards the end would definitely be preferable.

Chelsea team news

Fabregas is the only player in doubt ahead of the West Brom match, with Diego Costa, Andre Schurrle and Ramires all recovering from respective injuries. Nathan Ake is definitely missing out, which might open up a place on the bench for either a youth or rotation player.

With last year’s meeting at the Bridge in mind, Jose Mourinho will not take this match lightly. Only a last-gasp – and in hindsight allegedly controversial – penalty goal from Eden Hazard prevented the Blues to suffer a bitter defeat last season in a match that finished 2-2.

This time around, much would have to go wrong for Mourinho not to see his team claim all three points. Nine wins and two draws is the return after 11 matches. Some experts are even claiming this Chelsea team can go unbeaten in the league while cruising towards the crown – perhaps a bit of a bold statement as we’re only November, but nevertheless.

West Brom team news

Silvestre Varela returns from injury as Sebastien Pocognoli and Jonas Olsson are the only West Brom players not travelling to London to play the league leaders.

In-form striker Saido Berahino is the main threat from the visitors when they come to the Bridge. The 21-year-old has scored more goals than the rest of his teammates combined this season, so getting tight to him might be crucial.

Despite that, a comfortable win against the league’s 13th ranked side should be on the cards.

We are predicting an entertaining 3-0 win, with Mourinho telling his players not to use too much energy towards the end of the game with the away match in Germany coming up on Tuesday.