West Bromwich Albion FC
Chelsea FC
Chelsea FC
Chelsea hoping to bounce back from defeat against Baggies
Chelsea to win 3-0
We’ve seen some good clashes so far this season between evenly matched teams. Last week’s 4-3 game between Leeds and Fulham an early favourite for game of the season.
This game, however, appears to be a little one-sided, at least on paper.
Much has been said about Chelsea’s spending spree this summer, now over £200m with the arrival of new goalkeeper Mendy. They’ve looked strong, although still some way behind Liverpool as shown in their defeat to them last weekend.
West Brom are sitting bottom of the league, albeit after only two games, having scored just twice. Indeed, finding goals will be a problem for them this season.
Chelsea will majorly fancy their chances to bounce back with victory this weekend and will look to put several goals past the Baggies.
Predicted 2020/21 finish: 19th
Reasons to be cheerful:
Have scored seven goals in their last three league and cup games
Top scorer Robson-Kanu is in good form
Reasons to be fearful:
Have been poor in their two league games
Their leaky defence will be under huge pressure against Chelsea
The stats do not paint a positive picture for West Brom fans. Chelsea are the team that they have lost most against in league history, including all of their previous four meetings.
Manager Frank Lampard has a 100% winning record against them, tracking back to his time as Derby boss.
There are some positives for the Baggies, although few and far between. Hal Robson-Kanu, their top scorer last season, has found some form already this month, scoring three goals in two cup games.
Unfortunately finding the net in the league has proved trickier. They scored twice in the 5-2 defeat to Everton last weekend, and played well in parts, but Chelsea will be a level above.
Their only hope will be to tighten their defence and deny Chelsea room in midfield.
Unfortunately for them, it could be a long afternoon.
Star Man – Grady Diangana
The 22-year old was very impressive against Everton last week, scoring a wonderful solo goal.
Predicted 2020/21 finish: 4th
Reasons to be cheerful
Have looked impressive in their wins so far
Will only become stronger as they play together more
Reasons to be fearful
Still a step behind the likes of Liverpool
Will want to avoid complacency
“Stranger things have happened” is often a phrase said about these types of matches, where it would be a shock if the likes of West Brom beat Chelsea.
However, shocks happen every season and fans love the unpredictability of Premier League football. That said, it would take a huge effort for West Brom to overturn this Chelsea team.
Yes, last week’s game showed they still have some catching up to do to reach Liverpool’s level. But they scored three as they beat Brighton on the opening weekend, before netting six against Barnsley in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
Record signing Kai Havertz scored a hattrick in that game and he will relish the opportunity against West Brom’s weak defence, as will centre forward Timo Werner. Both are still searching for their first league goal.
It would be a surprise if Chelsea don’t put two or three past West Brom this weekend.
Star Man – Timo Werner
Was quiet against Liverpool, but the German will be desperate to open his Premier League account.
Chelsea will dominate possession and chances
The Blues likely to score at least two or three goals
West Brom must keep the game tight but will struggle
There are rarely any ‘easy’ games in the Premier League. Most seasons we see a team at the bottom beat a team near the top, like Watford beating eventual Champions Liverpool last season.
That’s why Chelsea will take this game seriously.
The likes of Werner, Mount and Havertz will be eager to get on the scoresheet, and West Brom’s defence are likely in for a long, tiring afternoon.
Stranger things have happened, but probably not this weekend.
Chelsea to win 3-0
