After a bad start to the 2015/2016 campaign, Chelesa are looking to make up for this as they hope to enjoy a more successful second half of the season. A win over Crystal Palace sees the Blues in 14th place, six points away from the relegation places, but still rooted in the bottom half of the table. Should they defeat upcoming opponents West Brom, the London giants will overtake them in the standings and inch ever-so-closer towards cracking the top ten.
Chelsea
Despite the uptick in form, Chelsea are not out of the danger zone yet. With just six points shielding them from a dreaded relegation spot, they will head into this game knowing that a loss could indeed prove costly heading into this weekend's round of fixtures. At the same time, the Blues will realize that they have a golden opportunity to string together back-to-back wins for the first time all season which would set them up nicely and boost their confidence as they will next take on Everton in a few days' time.
More important, with this being a home fixture, it will give them the chance to correct their poor home form from the first half of the season. So far, their record at Stamford Bridge has improved as of late, with three wins and a draw in their last four games across all competitions. Specifically, under Guus Hiddink, they are currently unbeaten and will certainly want to keep the good times rolling in 2016 with a resounding victory in front of their growing optimistic home support.
Hiddink again will have to make do without the services of Belgian star Eden Hazard, and with Diego Costa struggling with a knee problem, he will also be sweating on the fitness of the Brazilian-born Spanish international, who, after a difficult start has slowly started to return to form. His striking options are quite limited as Radamel Falcao is yet again out of action and Loic Remy is still in doubt but could be thrown into action should Costa not pass a late fitness exam. Another potential absentee could be Oscar and Nemanja Matic is another key player whose availability is still up in the air, meaning that Hiddink could again have to rely on John Obi Mikel and give a starting spot to youngster Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who netted his first senior goal for Chelsea during the 2-0 win over Scunthorpe United.
Still, Chelsea do have a good record against West Brom. The last time they lost to the Baggies at their home ground was back on September 30, 1978, when they were defeated 3-1. Since then, they have won 18, lost four, and drawn twice, and all in all, have lost just one out of their last six meetings against the visitors.
West Brom
Meanwhile, West Brom currently sit in 12th and will be hoping to make it three wins on the trot as they travel to a familiar ground later today. Tony Pulis's side, who achieved mid-table safety last season will certainly hope to spoil Chelsea's mini-revival as they hope to improve their standings and hopefully find themselves in the top half of the table at the conclusion of this campaign.
However, as noted before, they have historically suffered against the hosts. Interestingly, though, the last time they did defeat Chelsea at home saw the Blues relegated to the second tier at the conclusion of the 1978/1979 season and they did manage to beat them 3-0 near the end of last season - albeit their opponents had already been crowned champions of England.
Which channel is broadcasting Chelsea vs West Brom on TV or Online?
Still hanging around London after the weekend? Then you may be heading to Stamford Bridge for the second of Chelsea's three consecutive home games. If not, no worries. LiveSoccerTV.com, as always, has plenty of options to catch all the action on your TV, computer, phone, or tablet.
Here are some selections for those living in the following countries:
- In the USA at 14.45 EST on: Premier League Extra Time, Directv, NBC Sports Live Extra, Westwood One Sports
- In Canada at 14.45 ET on: Sportsnet World Now, Sportsnet One
Live elsewhere? Check out our special Chelsea vs West Brom broadcast page for viewing times and options for wherever your are currently based.
*NOTE: Live broadcast data is subject to change*
Team sheets for Chelsea vs West Brom
Chelsea's lineup: Courtois; Ivanovic, Zouma, Terry (c), Azpilicueta; Mikel, Fabregas; Willian, Oscar, Pedro; Diego Costa.
WBA's lineup: Myhill; Olsson, Yacob, Evans, Morrison, Brunt, McClean, McAuley, Fletcher, Dawson, Rondon.
Chelsea's subs: Begovic, Cahill, Matic, Ramires, Kenedy, Loftus-Cheek, Remy
WBA's subs: Foster; Chester, Gardner, Anichebe, Berahino, McManaman, Sessegnon
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
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