West Bromwich Albion are pitted against Chelsea in Sunday’s lunchtime kick-off, with both sides sitting on just one point after two encounters. In light of Manchester City bagging maximum points from their fixtures, the champions can ill-afford another slip-up if they want to keep pace with Manuel Pellegrini’s outfit.
Chelsea laid claim to the best defensive record last term (32 goals conceded and 17 clean sheets), yet currently only West Ham and Sunderland have shipped more goals (five) this campaign. After two matches, the Blues’ generous rearguard had allowed three more big chances (eight) than any other side, while Sunderland (25) were the only team to concede more shots inside the box (23).
The Baggies, however, might lack the requisite firepower to exploit Chelsea’s early-season vulnerabilities, given that they’ve recorded a pitiable two shots on target. West Brom’s attacking contingent will certainly need to improve on a collective 13.3% shot accuracy if they harbour an aspirations of causing an upset at The Hawthorns.
