It’s the final home game before Christmas with the Blues aiming to remain top of the tree as they host seventh-placed WBA.
Victory against Manchester City was eight in a row for Chelsea and second straight against top five teams as they’ve beaten Tottenham on the MD13. Last time Chelsea had a streak like that was in the season 2006/07 so Conte and his men enjoy every moment of it.
Chelsea already faced both teams from Manchester, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham and still sit at the top with others in that group yet to play against other. The Blues will play against WBA, Sunderland, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Stoke City so it wouldn’t be a surprise if their victory streak extends to 13 what would’ve been a huge step towards the Premier League title.
On the other side, the Baggies are on the streak of their own. West Brom haven’t lost in four straight games, winning three in the process. Like the Blues, WBA will arrive at the Bridge off the back of a big victory after they secured a 3-1 victory over Watford last weekend.
READ ALSO: Liverpool vs West Ham: Match Preview and prediction
Tony Pulis was delighted after the game: “This was a massive game for us in lots of respects. We’ve got a tough run of games coming up. It was important we got three points.I’m pleased for the players who have been fantastic. It was a really tough contest for us. When they (Watford) are on their game they certainly have players that can cause you problems. But we really battled through it.”
Head to Head
Chelsea are unbeaten in 10 previous Premier League games at Stamford Bridge against the Baggies, but have drawn against them in two of the last three seasons (W8 D2), while West Bromwich Albion have not won a league game at Stamford Bridge since September 1978.
Match Facts:
- The Blues have scored in each of their last 21 home league games against West Brom, last failing to find the net against them in December 1967
- Cesar Azpilicueta scored in both games against West Brom last season, scoring the opener in a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge and the Chelsea’s third in a 3-2 win at the Hawthorns
- Tony Pulis has only lost one of his last four Premier League games against Chelsea (W2 D1), this after losing nine of his first 11 Premier League games against the Blues (D2).
- Eden Hazard’s next Premier League goal will be his 50th – if he scores in this game, he’ll have reached this landmark in 153 apps and will be the joint-third quickest to score 50 PL goals for Chelsea alongside Eidur Gudjohnsen. Only Didier Drogba (106 apps) and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (84 apps) have done it quicker for the Blues
- Since the start of 2013-14, Diego Costa has scored 70 goals in 103 league appearances (Premier League and La Liga combined).
- West Bromwich Albion have won 20 points from their 14 matches so far this season; their second best tally at this stage of a Premier League season, after 2012-13 (26 points)
- Mike Dean has awarded the most penalties (9) and given the most red cards (3) of all the Premier League referees so far this season – what is interesting, there were red cards in three out of the last four games between these two.
Chelsea Team News: Fabregas will probably again replace Nemanja Matic ho has muscular problems. Pedro and Costa picked up smaller injuries against City, but it seems like Costa will start, while Willian could replace Pedro. Long terms absentees, Terry and Kurt Zouma are still out.
WBA Team News: Tony Pulis should have a fully fit squad at his disposal. Only McAuley is doubtful as he picked up a knock couple days ago, but the center back should be ready for the clash.
Chelsea: Courtois; Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Cahill; Moses, Kante, Fabregas, Alonso; Willian, Diego Costa, Hazard.
West Brom: Foster; Dawson, McAuley, Evans, Nyom; Yacob, Fletcher; Brunt, Morrison, Phillips; Rondon.
Date: 11 December 2016
Time: 13:00 CET
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London, England
Referee: Mike Dean
