06:10
0
 Eden Hazard returns to the Chelsea squad after being left out in midweek for disciplinary reasons.

Fernando Torres remains sidelined by a thigh problem, so either Samuel Eto'o or Demba Ba will start up front.

West Brom winger Scott Sinclair is unlikely to return from a hamstring injury in time to play on Saturday.

Nicolas Anelka, who like Sinclair is a former Chelsea player, is also doubtful, but Victor Anichebe has fully recovered from a hamstring injury.
MATCH PREVIEW

Following Chelsea's last Premier League home game, the managers didn't shake hands. Manuel Pellegrini seemingly wasn't impressed with Jose Mourinho's celebrations that greeted his team's late winner, and then pretty much admitted that he didn't care for him generally from their time as bosses in Spain.

There'll be no such problem this time, as Mourinho welcomes Steve Clarke - the man he called "my brother" this week - back to Stamford Bridge. A nice touch, but there'll be no cosiness during the game.

 After losing at Newcastle, Mourinho won't tolerate another slip-up from his team.

Okay, he only made the six changes against Schalke in midweek after "11 mistakes" in selection at St James' Park, but his players had got the point.

The team news for this game will be very interesting. Who of Ashley Cole, David Luiz, Frank Lampard, Juan Mata and Eden Hazard will come back in?

Labelling Hazard "a kid" and alluding to himself as "the father" after the Belgian's passport blunder this week was classic Jose - a public dressing down but with a caring tone. I wouldn't be surprised if Hazard stars against Albion.

With Nicolas Anelka and Scott Sinclair doubtful through injuries, boss Clarke could be the only Chelsea connection in the visiting party - but they don't come much stronger. Eighth in the club's all-time appearance list, he served as player and coach at the Bridge for almost 20 years.

History says his Baggies are already beaten, with 11 defeats and a draw away to Chelsea since their last win there 30 years ago to the day (in a League Cup third round tie in 1983).

Mind you, history probably didn't give them much chance away to Manchester United at the end of September either!

Another famous away win would split the Clarke family, upsetting his Chelsea supporting sons John and Joseph - and his "brother" Jose of course.

0 comments:

Post a Comment