Thomas Tuchel’s in-form Chelsea side would be looking to obtain another three points in their quest to clinch a top-four finish as they welcome relegation favourites West Bromwich Albion F.C. to Stamford Bridge this weekend.
Since his hiring to the top job at the Blues, Tuchel has played a vital role in the turnaround evident at Stamford Bridge and the Chelsea gaffer surely deserves the plaudits coming his way with a 13-game unbeaten run under the German’s belt.
Saturday’s visitors to west London, Sam Allardyce’s West Brom outfit, look all but certain to face the drop into the second division but the wily veteran coach would be hoping for his players to exhibit an inspired showing and cause dents in Chelsea’s plans of securing Champions League football for the 2021-22 campaign.
13 – @ChelseaFC are unbeaten in their 13 games under Thomas Tuchel in all competitions, the longest ever unbeaten start by a manager for the Blues in the club's history. Methods. #CHEATM pic.twitter.com/uq5EO4GAdB
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 17, 2021
The Blues had been in stupendous form going into the international break with four wins in their last five outings across all competitions but a slender two-point lead over fifth-placed West Ham United gives much cause to the west Londoners of treating each passing fixture with importance.
West Brom, on the other hand, come into Saturday afternoon’s clash with just a solitary win in as many as ten of their past matches, putting a great onus on Allardyce who was drafted in midway through this season to steer them away from the drop zone.
The weekend showdown at Stamford Bridge remains Chelsea’s to lose but West Brom and Sam Allardyce are not to be counted out from springing an unlikeliest of surprise which could prove to be a fatal blow to Thomas Tuchel’s side who hope to carry forward their recent run of momentum.
WHEN AND WHERE?
Back in action on Saturday! 😁 pic.twitter.com/eQ8Ys2IZxy
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 30, 2021
Date – 3 April Saturday
Time – 12:30 PM GMT
Venue – Stamford Bridge
TEAM NEWS
N’Golo Kante’s injury during the Frenchman’s international duty could be a major headache for Thomas Tuchel ahead of the upcoming fixture in light of the World Cup-winning midfielder becoming one of Tuchel’s most trusted options on the teamsheet.
Kante had to be withdrawn from the France squad which led to him missing the last two World Cup qualifiers played by the reigning champions as his return to Stamford Bridge for medical supervision was confirmed by his national team boss Didier Deschamps.
Tuchel has no additional injury concerns for now with the international break nearing its end but the Chelsea manager remains certain to miss out on Tammy Abraham who is recovering from extended ankle trouble.
KEY BATTLE
Hakim Ziyech vs Semi Ajayi
Ziyech has made his mark of late whilst turning out in the Chelsea colours and the ex-Ajax maestro would be in line for another splendid display come Saturday at Stamford Bridge.
The Moroccon international had found the back of the net in the recent FA Cup quarter-finals win over Sheffield United as he capped off another influential attacking showing with a goal.
He would, however, have to get the better of West Brom defensive talent Semi Ajayi who has found the grove in recent times for the Baggies if the Chelsea attacker hopes to maintain his stride in front of the goal.
Match Prediction
The Blues are massive favourites for the weekend clash as Thomas Tuchel’s men have shown no signs of weakness across any front on the pitch which draws a sharp contrast to their forthcoming opponents in domestic action.
Tuchel’s men would be expected to do the job once again this Saturday in a home outing for the Blues with our prediction being a 2-0 victory for the hosts.
