With the mid-week game, post-match chit-chatter and a fired up Rafa Benitez will Chelsea be able to keep cool and overcome the visit of the strong inform Baggies? Tune in on March 2, 2013 at 1500 GMT to watch these teams clash at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea enters this game after a midweek triumph over Middlesbrough and probably with the home advantage will be favourites to pick up the three points. However, a loss in this game could see them slip further down the table to fifth spot putting their surge for a champion’s league spot in jeopardy. Losing this game would also see them losing back to back premier league games, something they have managed to avoid thus far. With the Baggies in form and entering after two victories on the trot, an upset is highly likely and on the cards.
Steve Clarke has his fair share of problems as well. Romelu Lukaku will be unavailable as his loan agreement states that he will not be allowed to play against his parent club, Shane Long will be side-lined due to injury and hence, Peter Odemwinge may get a starting berth.
Roman Abramovich sacked Andre Villas Boas and Roberto De Matteo after their respective losses to West Brom and with all the fiery talk and words flying around in the press with Benitez lashing out at the fans, a loss in this game could be the end of yet another manager for Chelsea.
Chelsea will need to keep off field events out of their minds for the ninety minutes that they will be on the ground. Juan Mata and Eden Hazard will be looking to hold the midfield and create opportunities for either Demba Ba or Fernando Torres depending on whom the Spanish manager decides to start.
The Baggies defence who have let 36 goals go past them will need to keep veteran Frank Lampard at bay. This footballing wizard has netted a total of 13 times this season in all competitions and will be heavily expected to score once again.
West Brom keeper, Ben Foster has been in incredible form and if he manages to replicate his form from two weeks ago (against Liverpool) Chelsea will definitely be tested to their maximum potential.
For this game, Chelsea seems to have to upper hand only because West Brom lack options upfront, but a draw would be a more likely result.