Premier League | West Brom vs Chelsea Preview: Teams News, Predicted Lineups & Key Stats

After an incredible transfer window, Chelsea’s start to life in the Premier League has already seen a high and a low, with an opening day victory against Brighton & Hove Albion, followed by a defeat at the hands of the defending champions Liverpool.

During their midweek match against Barnsley in the Carabao Cup, though, new signing Havertz was able to click with the rest of the team, playing off of Tammy Abraham in the centre.

West Bromich Albion, on the other hand, sit rock bottom, with zero points in their two games. They have also managed to concede eight in the process while scoring two, following a 5-2 thrashing at Goodison Park against Everton in their previous outing. If things were not already rough enough, they also lost their Cup game against Brentford who came out on top in the penalty shootout.

Team News & Tactics

West Bromwich Albion

Kamil Grosicki, Ahmed Hegazi, and Kenneth Zohore will miss the game due to injuries. At the same time, star striker Hal Robson-Kanu is doubtful after he hobbled off against Brentford in the Carabao Cup.

It could be an emotional first game back in the Premier League for Chelsea legend Branislav Ivanovic, who joined West Bromwich Albion on a short-term deal this week. He is expected to start as one of the three centre-backs, partnering Semi Ajayi, and Dara O’Shea in the heart of the defence. They will be responsible for screening Sam Johnstone in goal.

The back-three will be flanked by Darnell Furlong on the right side, while Conor Townsend replaces Gibbs as the left-wing back, which will turn into a flatback-five in defence. Ahead of them, Matheus Pereira, Romaine Sawyers, Jake Livermore, and Grady Diangana will form the middle block to shield the backline.

The two names in contention for the striker spot against Chelsea are Charlie Austin and Callum Robinson in the absence of Hal Robson-Kanu. But it is expected that the latter will get the nod ahead on Saturday.

(5-4-1): Johnstone; Furlong, Ajayi, Ivanovic, O’Shea, Townsend; Pereira, Livermore, Sawyers, Diangana; Robinson

Chelsea

In the absence of Ziyech and Pulisic, we expect Lampard to field a 4-2-3-1, with Timo Werner at the tip of the structure acting as a sole striker, while Kai Havertz gets the chance to play in his natural attacking-midfield role behind his compatriot. This role clearly benefitted the German in midweek, and it might be costly not to use him that way.

Mason Mount will retain his spot on the left-wing and is expected to continually switch with Havertz on the pitch as both players are well equipped with off the ball traits that will add to the fluidity of attack. Callum Hudson-Odoi will get his first start to the season on the right-wing after a solid game in midweek.

Mateo Kovacic and N’Golo Kante will be fielded in a double pivot where Kovacic acts as ball-carrier, and Kante is given the responsibility to break the opposition midfield with constant interceptions and tackles.

This double pivot will be shielding a back-four, consisting of Ben Chilwell on the left, and Reece James on the right. Chilwell already got his first assist in a Chelsea shirt against Barnsley and will be crucial to breaking down Albion’s low block.

Thiago Silva, too, will be handed his Premier League debut having played just an hour in midweek, and will partner up with Kurt Zouma. Kepa Arrizabalaga will return to goal, hoping to make the best of what could be his last start in the Premier League for a while.

(4-2-3-1): Kepa; James, Zouma, Silva, Chilwell; Kante, Kovacic; Hudson-Odoi, Havertz, Mount; Werner

Key Stats

Chelsea and West Bromwich Albion have faced each other 24 times in the Premier League, out of which the Blues have won 18 games, the Baggies have won three, while three have been draws.

Chelsea have managed to do the double over West Brom in their last two seasons in the Premier League, winning 0-4, 3-0 in 2017/18; 0-1, 1-0 in 2016/17.

The last time West Brom won against Chelsea was back in May 2015, registering a massive 3-0 win when Cesc Fabregas was sent off within half an hour.

Chelsea have won three of their last five games in the Premier League. Both their losses during this time have come at the hands of Liverpool.

On the contrary, West Brom have lost three of their last five games in the Premier League, having enjoyed 1-0 victories against Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle.