Chelsea will look to get their premier league defence on track after two disappointing performances. On Sunday, they travel to the Hawthorns to face West Bromwich Albion. Last two Chelsea managers haven’t had the best time playing again West Brom but Jose Mourinho side is favourite going into this match.
Here is how Chelsea could line up on Sunday:
Goalkeeper
Thibaut Courtois: After receiving a red card in the first match of the season against Swansea, Courtois missed the match against Manchester City due to suspension. He will in all likelihood make a return to the starting lineup, at the expense of Begovic, who himself will be pushing for a starting birth after a string of impressive saves against City.
Defence
Branislav Ivanovic, usually so reliable has been struggling for form and after seeing him get tormented by Montero and Raheem Sterling. Still he will be given the nod ahead of Chelsea’s new signing Baba Rahman starting as the leftback which could see Azplicueta moving to the right flanks. And in the left wing back position, it will be the Spanish defender Cesar Azplicueta.
At the centre of defence, after being hooked at half-time following a run around by Sergio Aguero, John Terry should retain his place in the team at West Brom alongside Gary Cahill. From the defensive standpoint, Mourinho will need to answer some questions regarding Ivanovic and Terry who have received a lot of bad press after last week’s defeat to City.
Midfield
Cesc Fabregas has been under heavy criticism in recent weeks for neglecting his defensive responsibilities but since West Brom won’t carry much of a threat in the attacking third, expect Fabregas to start alongside Matic in a midfield two.
Though Mourinho is still not sure whether new signing Pedro will be ready in time to start against West Brom. If he is ready, then he will start on the right of Chelsea’s attacking three behind the striker. If Pedro is not ready, Ramires will take his place.
His position on the right will enhance Chelsea’s fluidity. Eden Hazard will start on the left of the attacking triumvirate and is one the few players in the Chelsea squad, who is guaranteed a starting birth right now. His creativity is essential to Mourinho’s plans right now.
The number 10 spot behind the striker is likely to be occupied by Willian, as Oscar unavailable for this match due to an injury.
Striker
It’s very simple for Chelsea when it comes to their strikers if Diego Costa is fit, he starts. This is all due to the fact that Chelsea don’t have many competent options in that number 9 role and Costa is the only striker in the squad who looks like scoring.