Chelsea Vs West Brom - Team News, Match Preview & Likely Line-Ups
Venue: Stamford Bridge Referee: Lee Probert Date: 9th November While the absence of the in-form Fernando Torres would be a problem for the Blues, Samuel Eto'o has performed well when deputising. Manager Jose Mourinho looks to be finally getting the best out of the striker and as a result it lifts the burden off the Chelsea midfield to be getting all the goals. West Brom know all about the threat of Chelsea and how they'll play, as manager Steve Clarke has long been a friend and former work colleague of Mourinho. He will name his side to nullify to threat of the Blues on the break, and will hope he can spring a counter at Stamford Bridge. Team News Chelsea will be without Marco Van Ginkel, Fernando Torres, and Ryan Bertrand. Manager Jose Mourinho revealed dropped midfielder Eden hazard will play against West Brom this weekend. West Brom have a number of absentees a doubt for this weekend. Zoltan Gera, Ben Foster, George Thorne, and Billy Jones are ruled out, while Nicolas Anelka, Victor Anichebe, Scott Sinclair, and Boaz Myhill are all doubts. Recent Form Chelsea recently lost away to Newcastle in the Premier League, but enjoyed an emphatic victory in the Champions League against Schalke, so Mourinho's men will be buoyed by the European win in midweek. They are 2nd in the table, five points behind Arsenal after 10 games. West Brom recently enjoyed a 2-0 win against Crystal Palace which ended a three-game run without a league victory. The Baggies have won just once on their travels in the league this season - against Manchester United. Likely Lineups Chelsea (4-2-3-1) - GK: Petr Cech, DL: Ashley Cole, DC: John Terry & Gary Cahill, DR: Branislav Ivanovic, MC: Frank Lampard & Ramires, AML: Eden Hazard, AMC: Oscar, AMR: Juan Mata, ST: Samuel Eto'o West Brom (4-2-3-1) - GK: Boaz Myhill, DL: Liam Ridgewell, DC: Jonas Olsson & Gareth McAuley, DR: Steven Reid, MC: Youssouf Mulumbu & Claudio Yacob, AML: Chris Brunt, AMC: Stephane Sessegnon, AMR: Morgan Amalfitano, ST: Shane Long Source: BBC Football