West Brom have failed to live up to the expectation this season. Tony Pulis’s side emerged as a real powerhouse in the last season but have messed up this season and if it goes like this, Pulis’s job is not at all safe at the Hawthorns.
The Baggies are set to welcome Chelsea on Saturday. The defending champions had a shaky start but they have managed to steady the ship and have won their last three matches, including a massive three points against Manchester United in the last match.
The under-fire manager Pulis need to find a way to do the impossible against the Blues. When all other clubs have been in a manager-sacking mode, the Baggies have remained calm and showed full support towards Pulis.
But West Brom are on a ten-match winless run and any hiccups in this match would only worsen their misery.
Predicted 3-5-2 West Bromwich Albion Starting Lineup Against Chelsea
Defence
Ben Foster has been a constant presence in the Baggies goal and he will be there to do his duty. The former Manchester United shot-stopper will be aware of the threat Chelsea possess and will assess the position according to that.
Three man defence has been a rage among the managers and Pulis also couldn’t stop himself from using this. To thwart the Chelsea attack the experienced tactician is likely to use a three-man backline against the Blues.
Ahmed Hegazi, Johny Evans and Gareth McAuley will coordinate with each other to neutralize the threat.
Midfield
Gareth Barry might be 36 years old but he still has the drive in him and has been a regular since his summer move from Everton. The midfielder will be at the base of the midfield to steer the game from there.
The Baggies love to defend and attack and their strenuous effort in the middle of the pitch often pushes the team to go advance. Jake Livermore’s role in the midfield has been enormous and the English international will try to ease the burden on Barry.
Grzegorz Krychowiak’s performance has been pinpoint as the combative midfielder has been quite busy making the necessary tackles and pulling the plugs.
Kieran Gibbs will have to be very mobile in the left wing-back role.
Allan Nyom will be deputizing in the absence of Craig Dawson.
Attack
The two-pronged attack will be headed by Jay Rodriguez and he will be alongside Salomon Rondon.
