Dugout Discussion – Chelsea vs West Brom

Gameweek 27 concludes under the lights of Stamford Bridge for what looks to be a crucial encounter for both Chelsea and West Brom, for all kinds of reasons.

Antonio Conte’s tenure with the champions looks to be precarious at best following successive heavy defeats to Bournemouth and Watford. Another setback tonight would likely seal his fate.

Like Conte, Fantasy managers will be hoping for a reaction and a revival from the Blues.

However, we won’t benefit from returns from Marcos Alonso. The most sold Fantasy Premier League (FPL) player ahead of Saturday’s deadline he remains in 1.3 million squads but misses out once again having sat out the defeat at Watford through “fatigue”. Conte has confirmed that a twisted ankle suffered in training is to blame for his latest absence.

Meanwhile, Eden Hazard remains an erratic but potentially powerful differential. Owned by just 474,000 managers, he has the talent to deliver big against the bottom club.

He is backed with 119,000+ captaincies, including seven of the top 100 managers prior to Saturday’s deadline.

Just two of his nine goals have arrived on home turf this season – both scored against Newcastle in Gameweek 15. He did, however, score his season-high 18-point total against West Brom in the reverse fixture in Gameweek 12.

Olivier Giroud might just be vital to the Belgian’s prospects. He makes his full debut tonight, leading the Chelsea attack with Hazard deployed as one of a supporting two – Pedro also flanks the former Arsenal striker.

The weekend could not have been more troublesome for West Brom; they now find themselves seven points adrift and challenged to come away from West London with some reward. Plenty of Fantasy managers will be hoping that they are denied.