Premier League giants Chelsea will be hoping to get back to winning ways in the league when they travel to The Hawthorns to take on West Bromwich Albion this weekend. The home side have lost both of their first two outings in the top-flight, and with Frank Lampard’s team next on the agenda, their task isn’t going to get any easier. The absence of fans in the stadium has undoubtedly played a massive part in their performances, as the Baggies’ faithful are known for being a driving force for the club.
Chelsea, on the other hand, recently played out a comfortable Carabao Cup win against Barnsley. Despite picking up an unfortunate defeat to Liverpool on the weekend, the Blues bounced back with 6-0 victory in midweek. Tammy Abraham started the fixture as the main striker, and this allowed Lampard the opportunity to rest some key names. Kai Havertz netted his first goal for the club, before score twice more to complete his first professional hat-trick. With the German slowly getting back to full-flow as well, the upcoming weeks could be very interesting from a Chelsea perspective.
Team News
Two of the biggest doubts for this weekend clash are Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech. While the American is still nursing an injury that he picked up in the FA Cup final last season, Ziyech’s issue occurred in the pre-season friendly against Brighton. Despite training recently, it’s unlikely that either will start for the weekend clash. Billy Gilmour is expected to remain on the sidelines for at least another couple of months, having undergone surgery. Thiago Silva and Ben Chilwell both played in the game against Barnsley, and could hence be in line to make their Premier League debuts for the club.
Here Is The Predicted 4-3-3 Chelsea Lineup Vs West Bromwich Albion:
Predicted 4-3-3 Chelsea Lineup Vs West Bromwich Albion
Defence
With the signing of Edouard Mendy now confirmed by Chelsea, Kepa Arrizabalaga’s place in the squad has come under serious scrutiny. Although the former Rennes man won’t be ready, it’s unlikely that Lampard will bank on Kepa again. This means that Willy Caballero could start in between the sticks for this tie. In front of him, expect Thiago Silva to make his Premier League debut, partnered up with Kurt Zouma. Reece James is likely to return on the right flank, with another Chelsea debutant on the left, in the form of Ben Chilwell.
Midfield
Chelsea’s midweek victory saw Mateo Kovacic play the full ninety minutes. Although the Croatian does tend to be a bundle of energy, another injury is the last thing that Lampard will want right now. The Blues could start this tie with a flat three-man midfield, consisting of N’Golo Kante, Jorginho and Mason Mount. While the Italian will be asked to sit in front of the defenders and link up play, Mount and Kante will be given the right to get forward and make things happen in the final third.
Attack
The link-up play between Tammy Abraham and Kai Havertz in midweek would’ve come as a huge boost to Lampard’s plans for the season. With a Premier League match now on the horizon, expect the gaffer to stick with that same partnership in the final third. Abraham could be given the nod as the main striker, with Havertz operating slightly off to the right side. Timo Werner’s place in the side is safe even in such a case though, as he can just as easily slot in on the left flank.
