The Hawthorns: Home of West Brom(credit:
Wikipedia)
Chelsea are without Brazilian pair Alex and Ramires for Saturday’s trip to West Brom. (kick-off 15.00 BST)
Defender Alex, who recently returned from a knee problem, and midfielder Ramires have suffered minor muscle injuries that have ruled them out of this game but the Blues are not expecting them to return in time for the next game.
David Luiz is expected to be handed an immediate recall to the starting XI after being cup-tied for the midweek Champions League defeat to Manchester United, and he will partner John Terry at the heart of Chelsea’s defence.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti must decide whether or not to stick with Fernando Torres up front after the Spaniard again mis-fired on Wednesday night, with Didier Drogba hopeful of a starting role.
West Brom, meanwhile, could welcome back Somen Tchoyi after he missed the last two games to be with his sick wife.
However, definitely absent for the Baggies is midfielder Graham Dorrans because of an ankle injury, but the Scotland international could return before the end of the season.
Last Premier League games:
WEST BROM 3 Sunderland 2: Carson, Reid, Olsson, Meite, Shorey, Thomas, Scharner, Mulumbu, Brunt (Morrison 78), Odemwingie (Tamas 90), Cox (Fortune 85). Not used: Myhill, Cech, Vela, Jara.
CHELSEA 1 Wigan Athletic 0: Cech; Ferreira (Alex 75), Ivanovic, Luiz, Cole, Ramires, Mikel (Benayoun 46), Lampard, Anelka (Torres 59), Drogba, Malouda. Not used: Turnbull, Essien, Zhirkov, Kalou.