Chelsea will look to record consecutive league victories for the first time this season when they play host to West Bromwich Albion at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday. Guus Hiddink has made a slow start to life as Blues manager, and the West Londoners find themselves three points adrift of their upcoming opponents in the bottom half of the table. Nevertheless, their win away at Crystal Palace last time out suggested things are improving, and they'll doubtless be expecting a win in front of their home fans.
Chelsea vs. West Brom 2016 live stream: Game time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Chelsea play host to Tony Pulis’ notoriously stubborn West Brom on Wednesday.
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West Brom looked momentarily at risk of slipping into some bother at the bottom end of the table, but Tony Pulis has, as ever, pulled a rabbit from the hat. Consecutive wins over Newcastle United and Stoke City have seen them move a provisional eight points clear of the drop zone, and the Baggies once again look on course to comfortably avoid relegation. Notoriously defensive in style, manager Pulis would certainly settle for a point away at the Bridge.
Key factor: Will Chelsea be able to unlock West Brom’s defense?
There are few, if any, coaches in the Premier League better at organizing a defense than Tony Pulis. It is pragmatic but incredibly functional, as his impressive record of having never been relegated from the Premier League in his entire career has demonstrated. Chelsea will have to find a route to goal despite the absence of their key creative force in Eden Hazard, which could be easier said than done.
When they last met: West Bromwich Albion 2-3 Chelsea, Aug. 23, 2015
When these sides last met in the Premier League early in the season, there was little sign of quite how badly the following months would go for Chelsea. They started the game well, with Pedro and Diego Costa giving them a 2-0 lead after just half an hour (partly thanks to a penalty miss by Baggies midfielder Morrison after just 14 minutes). Morrison atoned for his error and pulled a goal back five minutes after Chelsea's second, though César Azpilicueta restored the Blues' two-goal cushion before the interval. Things did get a little nervy for Chelsea when John Terry was sent off early in the second half for a last-man offense, but West Brom couldn't find an all-important equalizer after Morrison halved their deficit for a second time.
Chelsea injuries and suspensions
Out: Radamel Falcao, Eden Hazard (groin). In doubt: Nemanja Matić (head); Oscar (toe); Diego Costa (knock).
West Bromwich Albion injuries and suspensions
Out: None. In doubt: Victor Anichebe, Jonas Olsson (hamstring).
Chelsea will still be without Falcao and Hazard, but will be hoping for the returns of three other important first-teamers: midfielders Matić and Oscar, and striker Costa. Meanwhile, West Brom are one of the healthiest teams in the Premier League at the moment, and are only waiting on the fitness of squad rotation players Jonas Olson and Victor Anichebe. James McClean and Salomón Rondón are both back after serving suspensions.
Match date/time: Wednesday, 2:45 p.m. ET, 7:45 p.m. local
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London
TV: Premier League Extra Time, DirecTV (US); Sportsnet One (Canada)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (US); Sportsnet World Now (Canada)
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