ENGLISH PREMIER BETTING PICK - CHELSEA V WEST BROMWICH ALBION

English Premier

2011-08-20 - Chelsea vs West Bromwich Albion

A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser

Match Preview :

After only managing a draw against Stoke away from homne, Chelsea returns to Stamford Bridge and will look to get the win when they welcome West Bromwich Albion. Despite controlling the match in their first game, they were unable to break down Stoke's stubborn defence. West Brom could find themselves with another defeat here after their first match saw them go down to Champions Manchester United 2-1. Despite trying their best, the Baggies eventually went down to new signing Ashley Young's winner.

If Chelsea can repeat their performance last season against West Brom then the visitors will be in for a torrid time as they were beaten 6-0 last season at The Bridge. Chelsea knows a win is a must as they are now two points behidn the Red Devils. It is a tall order for the visitors as they have lost all previous ten encounters with Chelsea and the hosts only conceded 3 times in that occasion.

Team News for Chelsea v WBA :

Villas-Boas will decide between Hilario or Ross Turnbull will start in goal for Chelsea's first home match of the season. Petr Cech is out for up to four weeks with a knee injury so we will see a new change in goal for this match.

New signing Romelu Lukaku could make his debut but the game comes too soon for fellow new boy Oriol Romeu, while David Luiz misses out with a thigh injury. Daniel Sturridge missed out as he is suspended, while Michael Essien is a long-term injury victim.

We could see Didier Drogba starts this match as he has a good record against the Baggies with eight goals in just seven games against the Baggies, although Fernando Torres impressive display could see him play some part in this match as well. Nicolas Anelka is also pushing for a starting spot as he has scored four league goals in six outings.

West Brom meanwhile have doubts over striker Peter Odemwingie for this trip while winger Jerome Thomas will definitely miss out. The pair sat out last weekend's opening match of the season as Odemwingie is battling to shake off an ankle injury while Thomas has hip and thigh problems.

Odemwingie could feature as he is nearing full fitness, but Thomas still faces a race against time and he will be assessed prior to kickoff.

Meanwhile, right-back Steven Reid, who was forced off with a leg injury against United, is back in the side and ready for selection. Central defender Gareth McAuley, who has been struggling with illness, could start on the bench after playing in the reserves in midweek.

Possible lineups :

Chelsea : Turnbull, Bosingwa, Terry, Alex, Cole, Ramires, Lampard, Mikel, Drogba, Torres, Anelka.

West Brom : Foster, Reid, Olsson, Tamas, Shorey, Mulumbu, Scharner, Tchoyi, Morrison, Brunt, Long.

Last 5 matches :

Chelsea: DLDLWW
West Brom: LDWLWD

Prediction :

Go for Chelsea to win this match and clear the 1 1/2 ball here for the Asian Handicap.

Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser

The Statistics :

The Pick :

BEST BETTING TIP :

Chelsea to win.