Chelsea will hope to bounce back in the Premier League when they face West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns later today.
The Blues were beaten 2-0 by Champions Liverpool in their previous league game, but began their EFL Cup campaign with a convincing 6-0 win against Barnsley on Wednesday, a game in which new signing Kai Havertz scored an impressive hat-trick.
West Brom will be massive underdogs for the upcoming game as they have started poorly in the Premier League, and were also knocked out of the EFL Cup a few days ago. Confidence is low among the players, who could struggle against Frank Lampard’s side.
Chelsea Team News
Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech are still unavailable, and will not make the Chelsea lineup. The Blues were able to call upon Thiago Silva and Ben Chilwell for the cup tie a few days ago, however. While Silva started the game, Chilwell came off the bench to make his debut.
There is a possibility that we might see the duo feature at the back against West Brom. Chilwell could see some minutes again in the second half, though.
Predicted Chelsea Lineup vs West Brom
Goalkeeper
The Blues have signed Edouard Mendy from Rennes, but he is unlikely to start in goal. Kepa’s howlers against Liverpool means Willy Caballero might start in goal. The Argentine started in the cup game in midweek.
Defence
Marcos Alonso and Reece James are expected to make the Chelsea lineup as the two full-backs. The duo could get forward more often than they did against Liverpool as Chelsea are expected to see more of the ball against West Brom.
Andreas Christensen served his one-match ban against Barnsley, and will be an option to partner Kurt Zouma at the back. Silva did well in the game against Barnsley, however, and we could see him start.
Midfield
Jorginho and Kante were rested for the cup game, and should return to the Chelsea lineup as well. Kai Havertz linked up well with Tammy Abraham against Barnsley, and it will be interesting to see how well that partnership develops, especially in the league against better teams.
Attack
Timo Werner is expected to feature on the left side of attack, with Mason mount playing on the opposite flank. Werner’s ability to take on defenders and shift into the central areas will come in handy and create space for Alonso’s overlapping runs.
Abraham is expected to complete the Chelsea lineup and start upfront.
