This article is more than 9 years old

This article is more than 9 years old

The focus has switched firmly towards squad strengthening at Stamford Bridge as the transfer deadline approaches, though Chelsea's current crop must slip seamlessly into winning ways to inject momentum into their early season title challenge. André Villas-Boas' first home game in charge offers an opportunity – the Baggies, then under the current Chelsea assistant manager Roberto Di Matteo, were defeated 6-0 in south-west London last term – which cannot be passed up. Roy Hodgson's team, with Peter Odemwingie secured on new terms but still unfit, are much improved these days but still face an awkward afternoon. Dominic Fifield

Venue Stamford Bridge, Saturday 5.30pm

Tickets Sold out

Last season Chelsea 6 West Bromwich 0

Referee Lee Mason

This season's matches 1 Y6, R0, 6.00 cards per game

Odds Chelsea 1-3 West Bromwich 11-1 Draw 9-2

Chelsea v West Browmich Albion: Probable starters in bold, contenders in light. Photograph: Graphic

Chelsea

Subs from Turnbull, Ferreira, Alex, Bertrand, McEachran, Lukaku, Romeu, Drogba, Anelka, Benayoun, Kakuta

Doubtful None

Injured David Luiz (thigh, 10 Sep), Cech (knee, 24 Sep), Essien (knee, Feb)

Suspended Sturridge (second of three)

Form guide D

Disciplinary record Y2 R0

Leading scorer n/a

West Bromwich

Subs from Fulop, Ibáñez, Cech, Jara, Dorrans, Fortuné, McAuley, Mattock, Odemwingie, Bednar, Dawson, Cox

Doubtful Odemwingie (ankle)

Injured Thomas (hip/thigh, 10 Sep)

Suspended Gera (second of three)

Form guide L

Disciplinary record Y3 R0

Leading scorer Long 1

Match pointers

• Chelsea have won all 10 of their Premier League games against Albion, scoring 29 goals and conceding only three in the process

• Albion's last league victory at Chelsea was a 3-1 triumph in September 1978 – Toby Brown, Cyrille Regis and John Wile got the goals for the visitors

• Didier Drogba has scored eight goals in only seven Premier League appearances against Albion

• Albion recouped more points from losing positions (27) than any other team in the division last season

• Chelsea were caught offside more times (six) than any other side on the opening weekend