Chelsea predicted XI v West Brom: Werner to continue in attack

Chelsea are back in action following the international break as they take on relegation threatened West Brom at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues will be aiming to pick up a crucial three points in their quest for a top-four finish and continue their impressive start under Thomas Tuchel.

Since the German took charge in January, Chelsea are unbeaten in 14 matches in all competitions, winning 10, and have conceded just twice in that time.

Chelsea currently have a two-point cushion in fourth back to West Ham United, but with four clubs within just five points will know that they still have a battle ahead to secure Champions League football.

Tuchel has utilised his squad so far and will probably do so again, especially following the international break and with a trip to Porto to come on Wednesday.

So which XI will the German select to take on Sam Allardyce’s Baggies?

Here we predict the Chelsea starting line-up vs West Brom…

Goalkeeper:

Mendy is proving a great singing.

Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has proved to be one of Chelsea’s better summer signings to date. The Senegal international has helped solidify the Blues and will return to goal after being rested in the last league game against Sheffield United as he looks to secure a.  in goal once again as he looks to secure a 15th clean sheet in 25 Premier League matches.

Defenders:

Thiago Silva could be back in the squad.

We fully expect Tuchel to go with his preferred back-three supported by two wing backs. Cesar Azpilicueta has been a regular under the German and will again skipper the side. Alongside him should sit Andreas Christensen while, on the left side of the three, Kurt Zouma might be preferred to Antonio Rudiger. However, we fully expect the Germany international to be restored for the trip to Porto. Thiago Silva has returned to training but might have to settle for a place on the bench as he’s been out since February.

At wing-back, Reece James should start after Callum Hudson-Odoi was sent home from England’s Under-21 Euro camp with an injury, while Marcos Alonso may get the nod on the left side following Ben Chilwell’s England exploits on Wednesday.
Midfielders

Kovacic looks destined to start.

The internationals could well cause Tuchel some headaches when it comes to his midfield selection. N’Golo Kante picked up a hamstring problem while Jorginho didn’t go with Italy after picking up a knee problem before the break. However, we feel the Italian will recover in time to take his place in the side alongside Mateo Kovacic. Meanwhile, Mason Mount’s performances for England could see him earn a rest before prior to Porto.

Forwards:

Tammy Abraham is back in training.

Tammy Abraham has returned to training after a month out but Tuchel will monitor the striker’s progress ahead of the Baggies clash. Although Olivier Giroud is available we expect Chelsea to field an attacking trio of Timo Werner, who’s looking to break an 11-match scoring duck, Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic, meaning the Frenchman and Kai Havertz may have to settle for a place on the bench.

Predicted Chelsea XI vs West Brom: Mendy; Azpilicueta, Christensen, Zouma, James, Alonso, Jorginho, Kovacic, Pulisic, Ziyech, Werner.