Monday 12th February 2018
Chelsea v West Bromwich Albion 20:00
Chelsea are in a really crucial stage of their season at the moment and being this is the last game from the week 27 matches then the Blues actually find themselves out of the top 4 coming into this.
They suffered a shock defeat over Watford last weekend and there are rumours flying around all over the place surrounding Conti’s and some of their players futures.
Having said that, if you were a side in a bit of a situation then having to face the team that is bottom of the league would probably be high on your wish list. West Brom have their own issues at the foot of the table and with only 11 games for them to play they need to start picking up points fast.
Looking at the match betting, then this does indicate a straight-forward task for Chelsea – the Blues are 1.33, the Draw 5.25 and West Brom to cause a shock is priced up at 8.00.
However, don’t forget – the Baggies have beaten Liverpool at Anfield in the last few weeks, so certainly won’t be fazed by this, while many of the lesser Premier League sides will also feel this is a good time to face Chelsea.
The teams played earlier this season at the Hawthorns and with Chelsea winning that one 0-4 then based on current form West Brom do have some ground to make up.
They will, however, get a bit of a lift from knowing this repeat fixture was only Chelsea 1-0 West Brom last season. Having said, that it’s also worth noting the Baggies haven’t scored in their last three against Chelsea – in fact, the Blues have won the last two head-to-heads ‘to nil’.
If we add in that West Brom have won just 1 of their last 10 vs Chelsea, plus the Blues have NEVER lost at home to the Midland club in the Premier League then despite their problems everything still points towards Chelsea. They’ve had a week for the dust to settle on that recent defeat over Watford, while don’t forget they also had a man sent off in the first half in that game. West Brom last beat Chelsea away in the league in 1978 (15 repeat fixtures ago).
Chelsea’s star midfielder – Eden Hazard – has scored twice when playing West Brom this season – the pocket Belgium is 4.50 to score first, or 2.00 anytime.
4 of the last 6 meetings between the sides went OVER 2.5 GOALS, so at 1.72 this option catches the eye, but with West Brom not having the best scoring record over the Blues then the home side might have to score 3+ for this bet to pay out.
We have had 3 DRAWS in the last 9 clashes, so based on that the 5.25 on the teams taking a point each here looks fair value, but the main pick here is BOTH TEAMS ‘NOT’ TO SCORE @1.75.
Okay, many are suggesting Chelsea are imploding at the moment with the manager – Conti – very likely to leave soon, or in the summer – and also a lot of players are expected to follow suit – we’ll see! However, as a top footballer you’d still have some pride and passion, plus the stakes on offer for a top four finish are too big for a club like Chelsea to just toss away – especially as it’s still in their hands. A win here and they’d be back firmly in the top four.
Both teams have also NOT scored in 5 of the last 7 head-to-heads and we’ve already mentioned West Brom have struggled here in recent years. Their top scorer has just 4 league goals so that says it all!
It could be a tricky match for Chelsea, but we can expect their home fans to get behind their players and we’ll take them to get back on track and back to winning ways here.
BEST BET: BOTH TEAMS ‘NOT’ TO SCORE @ 1.75
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Monday 12th February 2018
Chelsea v West Bromwich Albion 20:00
– Already played this season, West Brom 0-4 Chelsea
– Last season’s repeat fixture ended, Chelsea 1-0 West Brom
– West Brom have NOT scored in the last 3 head-to-heads
– Chelsea have won the last 2 head-to-heads ‘to nil’
– Hazard (Chelsea) scored 2 in this season’s head-to-head
– West Brom have won just 1 of the last 10 head-to-heads
– 4 of the last 6 head-to-heads went OVER 2.5 GOALS
– Both teams DIDN’T score in 5 of the last 7 head-to-heads
– 3 DRAWS in the last 9 head-to-heads
– Chelsea have NEVER lost at home to West Brom in the Premier League (11 games)
– Chelsea have won 9 of their last 11 home Premier League games vs West Brom
– Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 14 home league games vs West Brom
– West Brom last beat Chelsea away in the league in 1978
– Morata is the leading league scorer for Chelsea (10 goals) this season
– Rodriguez and Rondon are the leading league scorers for West Brom (4 goals) this season