Chelsea host West Brom in the Premier League this Wednesday, and Guus Hiddink will be hoping to extend his unbeaten return at Stamford Bridge. It is still strange to think that the Baggies are currently above Chelsea in the league, but a win for the Blues can see them over take West Brom on goal difference.
Is Hiddink Changing things?
Since the Dutchman’s arrival to a struggling Chelsea side, the Blues are unbeaten in five matches and only conceded three goals in the process. Hiddink seems to have brought back the strength in defence that was so effective during Chelsea’s previous title winning season.
Bringing star players back to their best form was vital for Hiddink. Chelsea showed off star quality last season, but the performances off Diego Costa, Cesc Fabregas and Eden Hazard have been questioned this season. Before Hiddink’s arrival Costa had only managed four goals in all competitions. Yet, during the five matches since Jose Mourinho departed, the Spaniard has doubled his season tally already.
Fabregas’ role at the club seemed to be one of the things that Hiddink wanted to change upon arrival. In his first few games in charge, John Obi Mikel had come back into the side with Nemanja Matic and Ramires also being used more than Fabregas. The former Barcelona man did show his class however, in the 2-0 win over Scunthorpe. Every attack was flowing through Fabregas, and he managed to gain plaudits despite playing against substantially weaker opponents.
Hazard has still struggled to perform. The Belgian is currently injured and will not feature against West Brom, and did not play in Chelsea’s previous match. Yet before his injury Hazard still failed to perform to the standards he set himself last season. The winger came into this season on 49 goals for Chelsea, and remains on 49.
Are West Brom a threat?
It was West Brom that reminded us last season that the seemingly dominant Chelsea side had weaknesses. Tony Pulis’ side came out comfortable 3-0 winners, putting a quite a showing stain on Chelsea’s title victory.
West Brom were unlucky to have been beaten by Chelsea early in the season, only just losing 3-2. The Baggies have failed to score an abundance of goals this season so far. Having not scored more than two goals in game all season.
What can we expect to see?
Chelsea will play much better than they have for much of the season, Hiddink has made sure of that since his arrival. Costa is more than likely to start, the 27-year-old's form should keep the returning Loic Remy on the sidelines. Costa is in fine form having scored four goals in his last three games, don’t be surprised to see him continue his form.
Perhaps there will be a place in the squad for youngster Ruben Loftus-Cheek. The England U21 star comes off the back of scoring his first senior goal in the win over Scunthorpe. With Chelsea not being well known for producing many home grown talents, Loftus-Cheek will be a massive fan favourite if he develops well over the coming years.
West Brom may struggle to score, Pulis’ men are one of the lowest scoring teams in the league and against a Chelsea side that look to be returning to their best, it can be expected that the Blue’s defence stay strong.
