Chelsea FC Host West Brom: Team News, Prediction And Stats
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Chelsea FC welcome West Brom to Stamford Bridge this evening for another important Premier League clash. Can the Blues continue their recent impressive form?
Stamford Bridge will be lit up tonight as Chelsea take on Tony Pulis’ West Brom side in midweek Premier League action. Still lingering in the lower third of the table, each league game is a must win for Guus Hiddink’s men.
Chelsea are coming off a comfortable FA Cup victory on Sunday afternoon. Fielding a justifiably strong side, the Blues brushed aside an admittedly hapless Scunthorpe United outfit with relative ease. Diego Costa and Ruben Loftus-Cheek (hallelujah!) registered on the scoresheet as the club secured their progression to a fourth round tie against either Northampton or MK Dons.
More chelsea fc: Guus Hiddink Delivers Mixed Injury News Ahead Of Premier League Clash
Key Details
Chelsea FC v West Bromwich Albion, 13th January 2016
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Time: 19:45 GMT, 14:45 ET
TV: Highlights BBC One @ 22:45 (UK), NBC Premier League Extra Time (US), check your country’s local listings here
Team News
Chelsea actually received some encouraging news on the injury front for the first time in some weeks. Diego Costa limped off at the weekend in scenes that Blues fans have seen all too often from the striker. Fortunately, Hiddink has confirmed that the Spanish international will be available for tonight’s clash and should start.
Furthermore, Loic Remy is also fit and the Frenchman should find himself on the bench. Remy has been plagued by injuries again this term but his availability will be key given Costa’s fragility.
Eden Hazard, meanwhile, will miss out due to the groin problem that he picked up at Selhurst Park just over a week ago. The Belgian is set to spend another week on the sidelines at the least, according to reports.
Radamel Falcao? *shrugs shoulders*
On the other side of affairs, West Brom goalkeeper Ben Foster may return to Premier League action having recovered from an awful knee injury sustained nearly a year ago. The 32-year-old played at the weekend and came out unscathed, increasing the prospect of his inclusion.
Pulis, though, stated doubts over the availability of Jonas Olsson and Victor Anichebe, as the duo have missed the preceding two fixtures with hamstring issues.
Stats
The two clubs split their Premier League fixtures last season. Chelsea won the first clash at Stamford Bridge 2-0 as Diego Costa and Eden Hazard hit the back of the net. However, with the title already secured, West Brom thrashed the Blues 3-0 in the return match at the Hawthorns.
Chelsea are undefeated in their last five competitive games, with three wins and two draws. More significantly, they have kept a clean sheet in the last three of them. West Brom have scored the fewest number of Premier League goals outside of the bottom four and thus the Blues defence should be at ease.
The Baggies are unbeaten in their last three, but an impressive victory over Stoke City was followed by a disappointing home draw to Bristol City at the weekend. Furthermore, their record at the Hawthorns is not spectacular with West Brom winning just four out of the eleven Premier League games staged there.
Next: Chelsea FC Predicted XI To Face WBA: Anyone Got A Spare Striker?
Prediction
A Pulis team is always well-organised and I can see them frustrating the Blues all evening. It will be 0-0 in my books.