Next Monday’s game has become even more crucial for both sides after recent results.
West Bromwich Albion will travel to Stamford Bridge on Monday to face wounded animal Chelsea.
The Baggies are bottom of the league, four points adrift of safety and in desperate need of a win to keep themselves within touching distance.
Chelsea appear to be in a bit of a crisis. They have lost their last two league games to Watford and Bournemouth, conceding seven goals in the process. Confidence is low and the mood is beginning to appear a bit toxic, so it could be the perfect time for Albion to play them.
West Brom need to go for it, in fact they cannot be cautious in any game now as draws are no good to them. They can take confidence in the fact that Bournemouth went to Stamford Bridge and won and also the fact that they themselves won at Anfield in the FA Cup, so they know what they are capable of.
Bournemouth and Watford played a front three against the Blues. Watford’s trio of Richarlison, Gerard Deulofeu and Troy Deeney caused all sorts of problems and Alan Pardew has similar weapons in his attack who could do the same.
Salomon Rondon can be the focal point who brings others into play and bullies the Chelsea defenders, while Daniel Sturridge and Jay Rodriguez can make runs in behind to create goal-scoring opportunities.
It is certainly a gamble but one they need to take. Chelsea have won just two out of ten games (in 90 minutes) in 2018 so Pardew will feel they could be there for the taking if West Brom play to their full potential.
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