Premier League: Chelsea v West Brom match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at Stamford Bridge

Jose Mourinho will hope Chelsea bounce back against West Brom (GETTY IMAGES)

Defeat at St James’ Park reminded Chelsea of their characteristically cursed November, but Jose Mourinho doesn’t believe in curses and will look to prove it, starting with his ex-apprentice Steve Clarke’s team on Saturday.

The Blues are trailing five points behind league leaders Arsenal and cannot allow themselves to drop points, but their 3-0 victory over Schalke in mid-week, courtesy of Samuel Eto’o double, will charge them with extra bit of confidence for West Brom.

The Baggies do not have a particularly good record at Stamford Bridge, but they have last year’s good start, when they were fourth in November, to chase and will undoubtedly try to steal the show at the Blues ground.

Steve Clarke may be boosted by the return of an old Stamford Bridge acquaintance in Nicolas Anelka who will have a late fitness test, while Eto’o looks set to start with the absence of injured Fernando Torres.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS:

Chelsea 1 West Brom 0, Premier League, March 2013

West Brom 2 Chelsea 1, Premier League, November 2013

West Brom 1 Chelsea 0, Premier League, March 2012

STATS:

Chelsea have won 12 out of 14 West Brom games and have won all seven at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea and Manchester City are the only teams that have taken maximum points from their home games this season.

Mourinho’s men have the most shots on target than anyone in the Premier League this season – 77.

West Brom have something to be encourage about as they have won two out their last three matches against Chelsea – both at the Hawthorns.

Anleka has scored only once in 12 matches against Chelsea, compared to 38 in 125 Premier League appearances for Chelsea.

ODDS:

Chelsea to win: 1.29

West Brom to win: 10

Draw: 4

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10.50pm