Top of the table Chelsea will take on Tony Pulis’ West Bromwich Albion at Stamford Bridge on Sunday and we can expect a cracker of a game. West Brom are having a brilliant season this time out and interestingly, have not played their natural defensive football at all times.
Chelsea beat Manchester City last week to stretch their winning streak to eight in the Premier League and are now three points clear at the top. West Brom find themselves seventh in the table after their good run of form of late and will be looking to upset Conte’s boys.
Here are three key battles those could decide the game.
David Luiz vs Jose Salomon Rondon
Rondon has been impressive for West Brom thus far this season having scored four in the Premier League from 14 games. The Venezuela international has good pace in his locker and is impressive aerially. The 27-year-old has won 2.7 aerial balls every game this season and will pose a big test to the Chelsea defence.
Luiz is a key player for Chelsea with what he brings to the game. His fearless attitude, ability to pick out a pass and excellent reading of the game is very influential in the way Chelsea defend and make their forward forays. His all south-American clash with Luiz will be a good battle.
Claudio Yacob vs Cesc Fabregas
Fabregas had found himself out of favour after Antonio Conte took over the club in the summer but the Spaniard is likely to get another start against West Brom on Sunday. He was excellent against Manchester City last week and set up Costa for the opening goal from far out.
West Brom must ensure that Fabregas does not enjoy his game too much against them if they want to salvage anything from the trip. Their midfield enforcer Claudio Yacob, therefore, needs to ensure that he can keep the World Cup winner silent.
Eden Hazard vs Craig Dawson
What a season Eden Hazard is having this time out. From 14 Premier League games, the Belgian wizard has scored eight times. With Costa being doubtful for the game, the Blues will look forward to him, even more, to keep up their winning run.
Hazard will have to go through Craig Dawson to do any kind of damage to West Brom from the left flank and it won’t be a straightforward task at all. Dawson is excellent defensively and hardly bursts forward like modern day full-backs and Pulis will look forward to his excellent defensive discipline in order to keep Hazard silent.
