Having baffled the critics with a counter-attacking masterclass against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side last Saturday, Chelsea will be looking to maintain or even increase their three-point lead at the top of the Premier League table with a win over West Brom at Stamford Bridge.
While Chelsea fought back to claim victory in a fiery early kick-off at The Etihad, a spectacular solo performance from Chris Brunt ensured that Tony Pulis’ side moved above both Everton to seventh in the table, as they brushed aside a characteristically stubborn Watford side 3-1.
The Blues may well be missing several influential figures for the Sunday afternoon fixture, with the fitness of Premier League top scorer Diego Costa and the rejuvenated Spanish winger Pedro, who both came off against Manchester City.
Nemanja Matic is also a doubt for the game with a muscular injury that saw him miss last weekends match.
This means that Willian and Cesc Fabregas, who have found first-team opportunities hard to come by this season, will be hoping to capitalise upon impressive individual performances against Manchester City this weekend.
Squad players Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Mikel John Obi and John Terry – who recently celebrated his 36th birthday, are also unlikely to feature against the Baggies.
West Brom, on the other hand, will only be missing deputy goalkeeper Boaz Myhill, while unsettled England striker Saido Berahino is not expected to play either.
