Chelsea’s surprising managerial change is reaping instant rewards for the club as the Blues have gone five games without a loss under the tutelage of Dutch tactician Guus Hiddink. The Blues look to further their ascent to mid-table and bolster their European dreams for next season when they host West Bromwich Albion in an intriguing battle at Stamford Bridge today.
Read on below for an in-depth breakdown of this Premier League clash and while you’re at it, you can check out our previews of Tottenham vs. Leicester City and Manchester City vs. Everton.
[sc:Soccer ]Chelsea vs. West Bromwich Albion Preview
Where: Stamford Bridge, London
When: Wednesday, January 13, 2:45 PM ET
Line: West Bromwich Albion (+765) at Chelsea (-282), tie +290; total: 2.5 – view all Premier League lines
TV Broadcast: NBC
Betting on Chelsea
Chelsea will head to their Premier League showdown with West Bromwich Albion with momentum on their side after recording a straightforward 2-0 victory over Scunthorpe in the third round of the FA Cup on Sunday. This win comes on the heels of their three-goal thrashing of Crystal Palace in the EPL on January 3. Chelsea have been playing some terrific football of late, going 3-2-0 since Jose Mourinho left the club last month.
[sc:Soccer240banner ]Key to the Blues’ resurgence has been the excellent form of Diego Costa. After scoring just four goals in his opening 19 matches, the Spanish international has matched that total in his last three games. His return to form has helped the Blues move away from the relegation zone as they enter this contest 14th on 23 points, six clear of the dreaded drop.
For the Blues to stretch their five-game unbeaten run this coming weekend, they will need to continue their excellent play on the defensive end. Chelsea have recorded three clean sheets in their last three matches. Apart from shutting out Scunthorpe and Crystal Palace, Chelsea have also managed to blank Manchester United.
One source of concern, though, for manager Guus Hiddink heading into the match against West Brom is his team’s mounting injury problems. Star midfielder Eden Hazard is unlikely to be risked with a groin injury, while Nemanja Matic is also a doubt for today’s contest with a concussion.
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Betting on West Bromwich Albion
West Bromwich Albion extended their winning streak in the Premier League to two matches with a thrilling 2-1 win over Stoke on January 2. It was a brilliant result for the Baggies who leapfrogged to 12th place in the league table with 26 points to their name.
Things are bound to get tougher, though, for West Brom as standing in their way in the next match are five-time league champions Chelsea. The Baggies haven’t won on the road in the league against the Blues since 1978. They have lost a total of 14 Premier League matches against Chelsea, more than versus any other team.
For the Baggies to record a major shock today, they will need to be resolute on the defensive end. West Brom have kept a clean sheet in each of their last eight league away wins, with seven of those ending up 1-0. The Baggies are 10th in the Premier League in scoring defense, conceding 25 goals through 20 matches this season. They will need to find a way to stop Diego Costa who has been on fire of late. He has scored three goals in his last two league outings for Chelsea.
Expected to lead West Brom on the offensive end is James Morrison. He leads the team in scoring this season with four goals to his name. He netted twice in that gut-wrenching 3-2 loss to Chelsea in the reverse fixture back in August. Morrison needs to step up his play today as Jonas Olsson and Victor Anichebe are likely to be ruled out for the third successive game because of hamstring injuries.
Writer’s Prediction
Chelsea (-282) ease past West Brom, 2-0.
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