Hazard Out, Willian In? Chelsea v West Brom Predicted Line-Ups and Stats Preview

Chelsea – West Brom

Date: Saturday 9th November

Venue: Stamford Bridge

K.O: 15.00

Chelsea are now five points behind league leaders Arsenal, following a shock 2-0 defeat away at Newcastle. Chelsea did respond midweek with a 3-0 win over Schalke though but at the weekend will host West Brom, managed by Jose Mourinho’s old assistant manager, Steve Clarke. West Brom have been in mixed form this season but after winning at Old Trafford earlier this season, they will go into this fixture without any fear, in what could be an interesting clash between two former colleagues.

Team news

Chelsea

Chelsea don’t have any real injury concern, other than whether Fernando Torres will make the bench. Eden Hazard missed the games against Schalke in the Champions League as punishment for arriving late for a training session, Mourinho confirmed after the game that the Belgium international would be in the squad, at the very least, for the game against the Baggies.

West Brom

West Brom have a number of injury concerns ahead of this tie. Nicholas Anelka is a doubt, as is Scott Sinclair, both of whom might have to face late fitness tests ahead of the Baggies’ trip to Stamford Bridge.

Predicted line-ups

Chelsea

With Chelsea responding well to the wholesale changes made by Jose Mourinho on Wednesday night, a number of players could retain their place in the team. Eden Hazard will come back on the bench, at least, but Willian will certainly start after a very good performance against Schalke during which he recorded an assist. Samuel Eto’o, who netted twice, will surely start up front, despite Demba Ba coming off the bench to score.

4-2-3-1: Cech; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Mikel, Ramires; Oscar, Willian, Schurrle; Eto’o.

West Brom

Injuries to some players that have marred West Brom’s decent start might mean they play a similar side to the one that beat Crystal Palace 2-0 last weekend.

4-4-1-1: Myhill; Jones, McAuley, Olsson, Ridgewell; Mulumbu, Yacob, Sessegnon, Amalfitano; Berahino, Long.

Recent form

West Brom have been in quite strong form lately, losing just once in their last six and winning three of these. West Brom are sitting in a comfortable mid-table position of 11th and look to be safe of the relegation places. They will of course be wary of the fact that they got smashed 4-1 at Anfield two weekends ago.

Chelsea enjoyed a perfect October winning six in six, but started October with a 2-0 victory at Newcastle. Chelsea did respond with a good win against Schalke and have won all of their home Premier League ties this season.

Players to Watch

Chelsea - Samuel Eto’o

Eto’o was in fine form on Wednesday night, scoring a ‘fox’ like opener, as well as rolling back the years to finish Chelsea’s second in style. A great first touch and subsequent clinical finish will give Chelsea fans some cause for optimism.

Eto’o will have to build on this though with a strong Premier League showing, given that he has netted just once in the league so far and that Fernando Torres has been in decent form.

West Brom - Morgan Amalfitano

The Frenchman has been a very impressive player since his move to West Brom. His performance against Manchester United was a real stand out game for the Frenchman who scored once and assisted the other for West Brom who won 2-1. His ability to run at defenders will be of particular concern for Chelsea with him attempting nearly three take ons per game.

Prediction

Chelsea’s home form has been very good irrespective of their indifferent form away. With that in mind and the fact that the players should be looking for a response after last weekends defeat to Newcastle, it’s difficult to look past Chelsea.

Chelsea 3-0 West Brom