West Brom vs Chelsea: Blues target away win over Baggies

Chelsea definitely will be expecting three points against a West Bromwich Albion team out of form ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash at the Hawthorns.

Tony Pulis’ side are just one point above the relegation zone having failed to win since matchday two, making it nine in a row without a victory, including three defeats on the trot prior to the international break.

The Blues, meanwhile, sit third in the standings with just one point less than Manchester United and Tottenham, who are second and third respectively.
They have won their last three in the row since back-to-back defeats, and beat the Baggies 1-0 home and away last season.

But head coach Tony Pulis is already fearing the chop and knows he needs a big performance from his side.

He said: “If the club decide what they decide, I’ve got great respect for the football club, the supporters, the chairman, the board – it’s just life.

“If you don’t get results, you’re under pressure. I understand, the more you give, the more people want. We brought in a lot of good players, players we hoped would gel straight away, and we’ve been unfortunate.

“Like every team, if you don’t have your best players, especially at the top end of the pitch, you’re going to struggle.”

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte said ahead of the game that he was expecting a tough match – after reflecting on his side’s victory over the Baggies last season, as they stormed to the Premier League title.

He said: “It was a fantastic moment for me, the players, the club and the fans. It was great. I remember this moment very well and I am proud for what we did last season.
Now we have to look at the present. This will be a really tough game. Last season, both games were very difficult for us, at home and away. We want to continue winning in the league, but we know it will be a very difficult for us.”