West Bromwich Albion v Chelsea: London Blues in the Black Country

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With their Champions League exit to Manchester United still fresh on their minds, Carlo Ancelloti’s Chelsea travel to the Midlands to take on a resurgent West Brom managed by Roy Hodgson.

West Brom have played host to Chelsea 40 times in the Black Country. The Baggies have notched 23 wins, slightly ahead of the Blues who have 21 wins under their belts with 16 games ending in draws. Both teams currently top the form table; Chelsea lead the form table with four wins and two draws from their last six league games while WBA are third on the form standings with three wins and same number of draws in their last six league fixtures.

West Brom are still unbeaten under the management of Roy Hodgson. The Baggies are on a six-match unbeaten run at the Hawthorns stretching back to New Year’s Day when they lost 1-2 to Manchester United. Chelsea will look at this game with relish as this tie traditionally favours the Blues. Chelsea have won the last six league encounters between both sides and have averaged 3.0 goals-per-game against the Baggies who have managed only one goal against Chelsea in 540 minutes of football against the champions. It is just over 32 years since the Baggies last victory over Chelsea, and that was in March 1979 in the old First Division.

Chelsea thumped the Baggies 6-0 in the reverse fixture on the opening day of the season at Stamford Bridge, a feat the champions would want to repeat as their try to cling to their title. Both sides have suffered similar fate during the course of the season; peaking and dipping in form then followed by a rise. West Brom’s recent good form has coincided with their rise above the relegation waters. The Baggies currently sit 10th on the league standing when at the turn of the year the Baggies looked sure candidates for relegation. Chelsea still harbour the hope of retaining the league title but first have to claw back a massive 11 points deficit. The Blues have battled their way from fifth to third and are looking at overtaking Arsenal on second with only four points separating second from third with six games left to play.

The Baggies and the Blues enjoyed success in their last league fixtures; while West Bromwich Albion claimed a 3-2 win at Sunderland, Chelsea had to settle for a 1-0 win over bottom side Wigan Athletic.

Men to Watch

Peter Odemwingie scored one and set up two goals last weekend. Blessed with quick feet, the Nigerian is West Brom’s top scorer with eleven goals in the league. Odemwingie has been more than a handful for most opposing team’s defences. Not afraid to take on defenders, the striker will definitely keep the likes of John Terry and David Luiz busy on Saturday.

Fox in the box?

Though one of the most underrated midfielder in the EPL, Youssuf Mulumbu has come in leaps and bounds. His ball distribution is excellent and he is an astute marker and a key member of the Baggies’ midfield. It will be intriguing to see him do battle with Chelsea’s Ramires in midfield.

The much maligned Scot Carson has been off the  media radar of late. Carson has carved out a niche for himself at West Brom and credit must be given to him and his backline for their unbeaten run. Carson should be prepared for a tough day between the sticks given Chelsea’s attacking prowess.

Didier Drogba has been consistent for Chelsea lately. His impact on Tuesday’s Champions League tie at Old Trafford was evident after his second half introduction. I can’t see Drogba not starting this game and with a point to prove, the Ivorian will definitely give the Baggies defence nightmares.

Ashley Cole always puts in a good shift for Chelsea, hence his starting place in the squad has never been in doubt. Disciplined at the back and supporting the attack when he goes up field, Cole will help with passes and crosses into the box when the need arises. Not the quickest of fullbacks but he is a dedicated player nonetheless.

“When will Fernando Torres score?” That’s the question only the Spaniard can answer. El Nino’s £50m transfer fee seem like a waste of Roman Abramhovic’s funds but who can tell? This is the sort if game that could see Torres finally break his duck for Chelsea. It is left for us to see if Torres will feature on Saturday.

 I score only in a red shirt……I’m sorry Carlo!

My Match Prediction

With safety in site, the Baggies will want to be secure with a win against Chelsea. Roy Hodgson has got the better of Chelsea already this season with Liverpool and a repeat performance will only boost his growing popularity amongst the Baggies fans. Hodgson has made West Brom a difficult side to beat and I expect them to make things difficult for Chelsea.

Chelsea with their deflated egos want maximum points to salvage a season that promised so much. I expect Ancelloti’s men to be on the offensive from kick-off. Given Chelsea’s attacking prowess, the Baggies are in for one tough afternoon.

West Brom will keep it tight at the back but I don’t see them keeping Chelsea at bay all afternoon. Chelsea will push forward and may be left vulnerable at the back and with pacey forwards and wingers like Odemwingie and Jerome Thomas, the Blues could be caught on the break.

It is going to be a tactical game akin to a chess game, so I will go for a draw.

West Brom 1-1 Chelsea