This is the first of the three match points for the Premier League title that Chelsea has.
If they win at The Hawthorns, they will mathematically secure the first place, no matter what Tottenham does in the big derby against Manchester United. They will have at least 7 points advantage which will be unreachable for the Spurs. West Bromwich on the other hand, has nothing to worry about, but they will try to delay Chelsea's celebration and for sure they are not going to allow some other team to make a party at their own stadium.
West Bromwich Albion News and Form
In the past sentence, we mention that West Brom will try to prevent Chelsea's celebration at The Hawthorns. When looking the recent performance we think that their plan is far away from realistic. In the last 9 games, West Brom has only one victory along with 6 defeats. They are safe at the 8th place and once they secured the Premiership status, it seems that they were not so interested in proving anything else. The one thing is pretty obvious, though, when looking their recent results. The offensive part of the team is awful because in 7 out of the last 9 games the Baggies haven't scored. In five out of the last six games, we saw under 2.5 goals.
Home record isn't much better as they have 3 straight losses, and 4 in the last 5 games.
So we are not so sure about their plans to spoil Chelsea's party.
Chelsea news and form
Just 4 days ago the Blues defeated Middlesbrough at Stamford Bridge, and they are heading into this match in a pretty good mood.
In the last 4 games they played, Chelsea put down nothing but victories and they scored 14 goals. In every of those wins, they scored at least three times. In 4 out of the last 5 fixtures played away from their ground, they put down victories, and every time they won they scored at least two goals. We are pretty convinced that they are going to continue in the same manner in tonight's game, because WBA is far from their level.
Head to head
The only thing that encourages the home team fans and players in this match up is the tradition. You see, in the last five games played at The Hawthorns, Chelsea has only one victory, while West Brom has three. And this is precisely what the home team relies on. Chelsea's visits to this place are something that the Blues don't like to remember. In the first part of the season, Chelsea defeated West Brom after a hard and tough game, which was decided by a single goal scored by Diego Costa in the late second half.
Top 3
West Bromwich Albion
-José Salomón Rondón 35 games 8 goals 2 assists
-Gareth McAuley 35 games 6 goals 1 assists
-Nacer Chadli 29 games 5 goals 5 assists
Chelsea
-Diego Costa 33 games 20 goals 7 assists
-Eden Hazard 33 games 15 goals 5 assists
-Pedro 32 games 8 goals 9 assists
Injured And Suspended Players
West Bromwich Albion
-Matt Phillips Out
-Hal Robson-Kanu Out
-Jonny Evans Doubtful
Chelsea
-N'Golo Kanté Doubtful
Prediction
Without a doubt play on Chelsea. The odds are not great, but this is something that is pretty much certain. Especially since they are playing one day before Tottenham Hotspurs. Also, play half time full time on Chelsea and our favorite for this event is Chelsea wins with handicap - 1.5.
Final Outcome: Chelsea win
Final Outcome: Chelsea win with Handicap -1.5