Match Preview: West Brom Vs Chelsea

                                         

WHEN: Tuesday, February 11, 2014. 21:00 UK Time

WHERE: The Hawthorns


Last game week, Jose Mourinho's "little horse" sneaked ahead in the race for the Barclays Premier League title. Arsenal got whooped at Liverpool and Manchester City were held at Norwich City to a goalless draw so Chelsea now sit at the top of the league, one point ahead of Arsenal who will welcome the club we are all loving at the moment, Manchester United.

Back to business, Chelsea will travel to the hawthorns and will be looking to secure their position on the table. Anything less than three points will be disappointing and the blues will have to guard against what happened at the bridge the last time these two teams walked out of the dug-out. 


TEAM NEWS

Jose Mourinho has confirmed today that club captain, John Terry will miss this one but should be available for the FA cup encounter with with Manchester City. Fernando Torres has also been declared available for selection against West Brom. Long term absentee, Marco Van Ginkel is still working hard to come back earlier than anticipated. 


PREDICTED LINEUP

                                    

 I really hope Ashley Cole starts tomorrow, he deserves to play more because he was good last time out, its just that Azpilicueta has been better. 

Ramires sat out the last game, his form declined recently in my opinion but the rest would have done him some good. And Matic? Chelsea haven't conceded in 301 minutes he has played, his numbers when it comes to interceptions and tackles are incredible. He has contributed a great deal to the attack too, giving the attacking trio the freedom they need to express themselves and combining with them even on some occasions.

We have a large squad and there's need to try and keep most if not all happy. That's the reason I think Andre Schurrle should start this one.

Eto'o has started all games recently, we need to make use of the large squad and I don't expect the manager to just throw a player just coming back from an injury like that. So maybe Eto'o will start with Torres to come on later. 


 KEY PLAYER




"23 years old, the world at his feet.", those were the words of the commentator after Eden Hazard's second goal against Newcastle. He had a storming game and went on to celebrate a memorable hattrick, his first for Chelsea. Eden Hazard is in, (permit me to say) an insane form. Even when he doesn't score or assist, he completely leaves defences in shambles. He has a way of making defenders chase his shadow for 90 minutes.

And like in every game this season, Chelsea will be looking to Eden Hazard for inspiration against West Brom. As we all know, when Eden is in this kind of form he's as good as unstoppable. Expect him to have a direct influence on this result.


PREDICTION: West Brom 0-4 Chelsea





Things have changed at West Brom since that 2-2 draw at the bridge. West Brom sacked Steve Clarke and now have a new manager, Pepe Mel.

West Brom have won one, drawn two and lost three in their last six Premier League games. Chelsea on the other hand have won five and drawn one of their own last six.

With that, I think if the Chelsea boys can keep up the concentration and not allow complacency, this one can easily end up being noy much of a contest.