West Brom v Chelsea preview

Chelsea aim to break Premier League record for successive away wins

By Steve Pass   Last updated: 14th November 2008

West Brom v Chelsea preview

Drogba: Could play

PREDICTIONS:

Skysports.com prediction: West Brom 0 Chelsea 3
Sky Bet odds: West Brom 10/1 Draw 7/2 Chelsea 1/3
One to Watch: Didier Drogba
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It is an intriguing top-versus-bottom clash at the Hawthorns on Saturday as out-of-form West Brom host high-flying Chelsea.

The Baggies are in desperate need of a win, having dropped to the foot of the table after picking up just one point from their last five outings, the latest defeat coming in the comprehensive 3-0 mauling at Liverpool last Saturday.

But, on the plus side, Tony Mowbray's men are only a point detached and are amazingly just three points off tenth place in an increasingly tight division.

As always, Mowbray knows that home form will be crucial to maintaining his side's elite status.

Seven of the Baggies' 11 points so far have come at the Hawthorns but they could struggle to add to this total against a Chelsea team who equalled their own club and Premier League record of nine successive away league wins with the 2-0 victory over Blackburn last Sunday.

Chelsea got over their Roma disappointment in the UEFA Champions League with that victory and Luiz Felipe Scolari will be wanting his side to again bounce back here after their shock Carling Cup exit to Burnley on penalties in midweek.

He knows a win is vital as the pace at the top of the table is relentless, with Chelsea leading from Liverpool on goal difference.

Team news

West Brom centre-back Abdoulaye Meite will return to the squad if he suffers no reaction to his calf after returning to training on Thursday.

Meite sustained the initial injury against his former club Bolton in late August and then broke down in the warm-up before the home clash with Aston Villa three weeks later.

Midfielder James Morrison is also in contention after overcoming a back problem, with defender Neil Clement (knee) the only long-term casualty.

Controversial striker Didier Drogba could start for Chelsea despite throwing a coin back at Burnley fans in the midweek defeat.

He looked sharp up front and could play alongside Nicolas Anelka, who was rested for the game, with Salomon Kalou dropping to the bench.

German midfielder Michael Ballack is back in training after foot surgery and could return in place of Florent Malouda, while left-back Ashley Cole is close to full fitness after his hamstring injury and could feature at the expense of Wayne Bridge.

Central defender Ricardo Carvalho is expected to start light training in the near future.

Possible starting XIs

West Brom: Carson, Zuiverloon, Donk, Olsson, Robinson, Greening, Koren, Valero, Do-Heon, Miller, Bednar.

Chelsea: Cech, Terry, Cole, Alex, Bosingwa, Lampard, Deco, Ballack, Mikel, Anelka, Drogba.