It`s a rarity this weekend, a Premier League fixture for us, played on a Saturday with a 15:00 hours kick-off. The opposition are West Bromwich Albion which means a return to Stamford Bridge for their manager, the very popular Steve Clarke. With Chelsea having slipped up at St James Park last season the need for three points is paramount. However, Steve Clarke will have insider knowledge on some of our side and West Brom have already proven they have pedigree by getting a result up at Old Trafford. This one will be an interesting one!
Vital Quotes:
Ahead of the clash, Steve Clarke, returning to Stamford Bridge, has spoken about his relationship with Jose Mourinho, remarking about their first meeting,
“I didn`t know what to expect when I got a call to meet him.”
“I had great doubts about my future. When you`ve got a meeting with a new manager, there are two possibilities – you come out keeping your job?.or you are unemployed.”
“I really didn`t know if he wanted to keep me or get rid of me. Fortunately, I stayed and it`s just as well. They were memorable years for me.”
“The greatest compliment I can give Jose is to say in the time we worked together I changed completely. I learned more with him than with all the other coaches put together who I`ve worked with.”
That sort of says it all doesn`t it!
Chelsea Team News:
Jose Mourinho takes his squad into this game with two players missing from the squad. Marco Van Ginkel is a long term casualty whilst Fernando Torres is still some way short of a return. In midweek Eden Hazard was dropped after missing a crucial training session ahead of the visit from Schalke, but Jose has indicated that he will be in the squad this weekend. Samuel Eto`o or Demba Ba will fill in for the absent Torres but the big question being asked is will Jose turn to any of those he rested in midweek, namely Ashley Cole, Juan Mata, Frank Lampard and Eden Hazard.
My tip for the starting eleven is:-
Cech, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Cole, Mikel, Ramires, Schurrle, Oscar, Hazard, Eto`o
Player to watch: Eden Hazard
I`m hoping the punishment handed out by Jose Mourinho, in midweek, will be the catalyst to kick-start the Belgian`s season which, I feel, hasn`t really taken off yet.
West Brom Team News:
Steve Clarke returns to his old stamping ground with two other former Chelsea players unlikely to start. Clarke tempted Nicolas Anelka and Scott Sinclair to The Hawthorns in the summer, however both are likely to be ruled out by injury.
On a positive front, Clarke is likely to be able to call upon the services of another summer signing Victor Anichebe.
Player to watch: Saido Berahino
West Brom`s top scorer with six goals and a player who is being tracked by several clubs.
Match Facts & Stats
Chelsea enter this fixture with a good record against West Brom at Stamford Bridge. In the 7 fixtures in which we`ve met we`ve won all 7 and in the process we`ve hit 16 goals whilst conceding just the 1.
Only ourselves and Manchester City have a 100% home record and Jose Mourinho will be looking to extend that whilst also ensuring his 65 game unbeaten Premier League home record, in which he`s won 51 and drawn 14
Ref Watch:
Our officials for this fixture are:-
Referee – A. Marriner
Assistants – R. Ganfield and M. Scholes
Fourth Official – S. Mathieson
Match Prediction:
Jose Mourinho will welcome his ‘brother` with a warm greeting on Saturday but we reckon the only members of the Clarke family who`ll be smiling on Saturday evening are his sons John and Joseph, both of whom are Chelsea fans. I`ll stick my head above the parapet and go for a 3-1 Chelsea win.
Next Fixtures:
Our next fixture, after the international break, will see us travel to take on West Ham United on Saturday 24th November.