Prediction: West Bromwich Albion v Chelsea

Verdict: Chelsea to win and both teams to score

Best Odds: 3/1

Bookmaker: Bet 365

The international break is over which means Premier League football returns to our screens. West Bromwich Albion will be hoping they can turn around their bad run of form when they entertain champions Chelsea at the Hawthorns.

West Bromwich Albion

For the first time in his managerial career, serious questions are being asked about manager Tony Pulis at West Brom. His team have now suffered three consecutive defeats and they sit just two places above the relegation zone – one point above 17^th placed West Ham United. Looking at the bigger picture, the Baggies have not won in nine games now and their last victory was a 1-0 away win at Burnley in the second game of the season. Only four teams have taken less points than West Brom at home this campaign and they’ll be aware of Chelsea’s third best away record in the league. Pulis will take heart from the fact his side have only failed to score once at home so far but will also be aware that they have only played one of the top six and they need to be grinding out more wins at the Hawthorns if they are to survive relegation. It’s going to be a difficult afternoon for the Baggies and a point for them would be a good result.

Team News

West Brom have no new injury concerns with Craig Dawson and James Morrison the only absentees.

Chelsea

It seems that Chelsea’s luck may be turning after their absorbing 1-0 win against Manchester United before the international break. This followed victories over Watford and Bournemouth, and even though they were unconvincing in these victories, N’Golo Kante’s return to the team appears to have given everyone a lift at the club. This doesn’t mean that everything is all rosy at Stamford Bridge – with David Luiz dropped from the squad altogether for the United clash, and technical director Michael Emenalo leaving the club – but at least they’re now picking up results. Chelsea are in fourth place in the league table – and even though it may seem an impossible task to catch leaders Manchester City – a few wins on the board and they could at least close the nine point gap. Looking towards Saturday’s fixture, the Blues have performed better away this season and have won four of their last five trips on the road. They could not have picked a better time to face their opponents either and they look likely to get all three points.

Team News

Tiemoue Bakayoko could be out after reportedly pulling up in training. Michy Batshuayi may also miss the game after being forced to withdraw from the Belgium squad midweek.

Meanwhile, Gary Cahill is a minor doubt and will have a fitness test, and doubts over David Luiz’s place in the squad continue.

Key Factors to Consider

• West Brom have lost 16 times against Chelsea in the Premier League – their joint highest total against an opponent alongside Arsenal and Manchester City
• Antonio Conte has the best win percentage of any permanent manager in league history (75.5%)
• Chelsea have won nine of their last 11 away games in the Prem
• West Brom have won just twice in their last 20 matches and are winless in nine
• Only against Man City (13) has Tony Pulis lost more Premier League games as a manager than versus Chelsea (12)

Conclusion

Chelsea will be well aware that it’s the best time to face West Brom and they seem to have hit a bit of form in the league. The Blues look likely to win the match but the Baggies have also only failed to score on one occasion at home this season – so we’re going to go for Conte’s men to win and both teams to score.

Verdict: Chelsea to win and both teams to score

Best Odds: 3/1

Bookmaker: Bet 365