Chelsea FC vs West Brom: Thoughts And Predictions

Stamford Bridge, Home Of Chelsea FC – Flickr Creative Commons

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Chelsea FC will host West Bromwich Albion this coming Saturday in their 12th game of this Premier League Campaign. This will be the Blues’ first game back at Stamford Bridge since Manager Jose Mourinho criticized the home fans for their lack of support. We can expect a loud and effusive crowd from the first whistle till the last.

To most Chelsea fans, Mourinho can do no wrong, so they will be doing their best to please their beloved manager. Although Mourinho’s comments seemed a bit harsh, Chelsea Supporters’ Trust Chairman Tim Rolls believes that the outcome will be positive.

"“He’s very, very popular with the fans; I would expect people would respond to it. I would anticipate at the start of the game he’ll get a big cheer, they’ll chant his name and there will be lots of chanting.”Source: Independent"

All players who left for international duty escaped the dangerous break unscathed. Only Cesc Fabregas and Ramires are doubtful going into this match, but I’m confident that Fabregas will start.

Striker Diego Costa should be back to full strength after being controversially left out of the Spain squad. Costa and teammate Cesc Fabregas were even threatened (or not threatened) by Spain Manager Vicente del Bosque during the break.

West Brom’s season hasn’t started very well, they currently occupy the 13th spot on the table, with 13 points after 11 games. They have also scored 13 league goals so far this season, having won only three matches.

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Chelsea players will not be taking this fixture lightly, as they failed to beat the Baggies last season, and the season before. West Brom took eight points from their last four encounters with the Blues, so Chelsea should come into this game with a greater hunger if they are to topple Alan Irvine’s side.

The Baggies are a huge threat going forward, striker Saido Berahino is having a decent season with five goals and two assists to his name. The forward even earned himself a recent England call-up.

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Midfielder Stephane Sessegnon could also cause problems, he isn’t having that good of a season statistically, but his pace and technique really sets him apart; Chelsea have to keep these two players in check if they are to come out on top.

West Brom will have all but two of their players available for selection. Belgian defender Sebastien Pocognoli is having trouble with a thigh injury, whilst fellow defender Jonas Olsson has not recovered from his Achilles injury in time.

Manager Alan Irvine is really looking forward to the match. He seemed quite confident about his chances during his press conference today.

"“Some players will get confidence from previous results as they will have played in those games, but it is a completely different game. I would probably argue that Chelsea have strengthened a very good squad from last year by adding some exceptionally good players.”“They are stronger but it doesn’t mean we can’t get something from there. We have a chance – there is absolutely no question of that – but we will need to play extremely well.”Source: WBA Official Website"

PREDICTION

This clash will certainly be entertaining. With Chelsea’s swashbuckling, unforgiving style of attack, and West Brom’s pace and creativity up front, it’s going to be an entertaining game of football at the Bridge. Chelsea are still unbeaten, and they would want it to remain that way. A point would put them at risk, with Southampton only four points away, so Mourinho will settle for nothing less than three.

West Brom won’t lie down, they know they can beat Chelsea; they have done it before. On their last visit to Stamford Bridge, they would have left with all three points, had it not been for a late penalty which was won by Ramires. They will definitely be up for the challenge, and will not make things easy for the Blues.

However, this isn’t the Chelsea team of seasons past; the Blues now have that killer instinct which they lacked last season. Being at home would also give them an advantage over the Baggies, so I predict a 2-0 scoreline in favor of Chelsea.