Chelsea FC v West Brom: Costa Scoring Run, Mikel Streak And More!
Chelsea FC take on West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday evening at Stamford Bridge. Victory will take the Blues above the Baggies in the table. Here are a few key things to focus on during the match
So I’ll be heading down to Stamford Bridge to watch Chelsea FC take on West Brom. Sitting in the East Stand Upper should provide a wonderful view of the action. However, whether you are at the game or wherever you may be, here are a few things to keep an eye on.
1. Can Diego Costa continue his scoring run?
Guus Hiddink provided the good news that Diego Costa has won his fitness race and is set to start against the Baggies. The striker has scored four goals since the Dutchman took charge at Stamford Bridge and is seemingly getting back to the type of player he was last year.
Whilst we should all be happy that the Brazilian-born front-man is now finding the back of the net, his sudden goal scoring run confirms that he wasn’t really trying earlier this season. I’m still having none of it.
2. Will Cesc Fabregas wear his magic hat?
Cesc Fabregas put in his best performance this season in the victory away to Crystal Palace early in the new year. West Brom, while organised, should provide him with the opportunity to pick the defence-splitting passes that he is capable of. He is another player that has thoroughly under-performed, but look to the Spaniard to provide the impetus in attack.
3. Will John Obi Mikel’s streak continue?
The Chelsea cult hero has not lost in the 19 games he has played in under Guus Hiddink and will be looking to make it 20 games on Wednesday night. The Dutchman obviously trusts the Nigerian Zidane, and going by his performance against Crystal Palace, he seems the perfect foil to Cesc Fabregas in midfield.
Did you know that John Obi Mikel has made 352 appearances in the Chelsea Blue? Given that he is only 28-years-old (shocking I know) he may actually break into Chelsea’s top ten all time appearance-makers list. Eddie McCreadie is tenth on the list with 410 appearances.
More chelsea fc: Eden Hazard Finds A Friend In Vincent Kompany
4. Will we see a glimpse of Loic Remy?
The Frenchman has been sidelined with a calf problem but is back in the match day squad. Remy has been devoid of opportunities since joining the club, but has provided able back-up when required. Hopefully he will get a run out as a replacement for Diego Costa with the game secured and the clock winding down.
5. Can Willian score another free-kick?
Six of Willian’s eight goals this season have come from direct free-kicks. The Brazilian, however, has not scored from a dead ball situation since the 24th November against Maccabi Tel-Aviv. That is a drought by his high standards. With West Brom having a defensive record almost as bad as ours, the Brazilian should have a few opportunities to add to his collection.
6. Can this be the start of a long run?
With Everton coming up on Saturday at Stamford Bridge, the game against West Brom is part of a two-game home stand that should allow Chelsea to climb to the lofty heights of 11th or 12th place. The Blues must start winning home games in order to keep in touch with the top eight teams in the Premier League, let alone the top four.
The relegation fears are slowly subsiding and now the only way to look is up, up, up.
Next: Chelsea FC Predicted XI To Face WBA: Anyone Got A Spare Striker?
Prediction
Chelsea 2-0 WBA
Scorers: Diego Costa and Willian
Leave us your thoughts and predictions for the big game in the comments below!