Ace Football previews the upcoming Premier League clash between West Brom and Chelsea, while offering the latest betting tips, odds, and team news.
(Comeon odds above – West Brom win/Draw/Chelsea win)
The time to deliver is now for Frank Lampard as his heavily revamped Chelsea side take a trip to the Hawthorns. Anything less than three points will be a disappointment; especially as West Brom aren’t exactly in good shape either.
The Baggies have experienced a rude awakening upon their return to the Premier League with two heavy defeats. Losing to Championship Brentford on penalties in the Carabao Cup midweek didn’t help matters. A response, therefore, is needed sooner rather than later. But can that come against Chelsea? It’s tough to see that happening but, as they all say in football, anything is possible.
Either way, it should be an interesting affair seeing if West Brom can pull one over the expensively restored Blues.
West Brom From
Losing 3-0 to Leicester City in their opening game back in the English top-flight was bad enough. But last weekend’s 5-2 loss to Everton was not only a similar tale, it exposed the frustrations already brewing in the West Midlands.
Slaven Bilic’s frustration was there for everybody to see at Goodison Park when Kieran Gibbs got sent off. The full-back’s dismissal led the West Brom manager to confront the referee at half-time, leading to his own sending off. The FA later charged him with improper conduct for his actions.
In fairness, though, the pressure is already mounting on Bilic. He made some exciting signings over the summer, like Grady Diangana and Matheus Pereira, but his side still look short at this stage. Even if Gibbs hadn’t got sent-off against Everton, West Brom would’ve had struggled to get a result anyway.
Key Team Stats
- Lost last four league games against Chelsea without scoring a goal.
- Boast the league’s worst defensive record with eight goals conceded.
- Over 2.5 goals scored in their four games this season across all competitions.
Chelsea Form
Lampard, meanwhile, will be pleased to have welcomed Edouard Mendy to the fold amid Kepa Arrizabalaga’s struggles in goal. Especially after his error against Liverpool last weekend, which led Sadio Mane’s second goal.
The Blues boss conceded that loss was a ‘reality check’ for his squad after a summer laden with expensive new star signings. Thrashing Barnsley 6-0 in the EFL Cup midweek, however, was a solid response. It also gave Kai Havertz the opportunity to kick-start his career in London, with the club-record signing bagging a hat-trick.
Chelsea now appear ready at last to flex their muscles and, considering their strong record against West Brom, the hosts at the Hawthorns have every reason to worry.
Key Team Stats
- Have won their last three away league games at West Brom.
- Lost three of their last seven away league games at newly-promoted clubs.
- Kept just one clean sheet in 20 away league games under Lampard.
- Over 2.5 goals scored in last eight away league games.
- Scored two or more goals in seven of their last eight away league games.
Team News
West Bromwich: Kenneth Zohore & Branislav Ivanovic (Both injured); Kieran Gibbs (Suspended); Conor Gallagher (Unable to play against parent club); Kamil Grosicki, Hal Robson-Kanu, & Ahmed Hegazi (All doubts).
Chelsea: Hakim Ziyech, Billy Gilmour, & Christian Pulisic (All still recovering from injury).
Head-To-Head Record
Match Facts
Betting Tips
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