Chelsea vs. West Bromwich Albion: How the Blues Will Line Up in Premier League

Chelsea return to Premier League action this weekend as they welcome West Bromwich Albion to Stamford Bridge. The Blues are unbeaten in all competitions so far this season, and they will be hoping that an extended rest for key players over the international break will allow them to push on towards the title.

Thibaut Courtois is likely to remain in goal at the expense of Petr Cech.

A report from the Daily Star's Chisanga Malata this week suggests that Cech could leave Chelsea in January after being usurped by the Belgian youngster, with Arsenal the most likely destination. Whether Jose Mourinho will give him more game time to stop such a move from happening remains to be seen, but it is clear that Courtois is now first choice between the sticks.

John Terry and Gary Cahill should start at centre-half, with the latter having impressed in both matches for England during the international break. They will be flanked by Branislav Ivanovic on the right and Cesar Azpilicueta on the left. Although Filipe Luis was a competent deputy for the Spaniard while he served his suspension, the Brazilian is likely to be reserved for the trip to Schalke in the Champions League next Tuesday.

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Nemanja Matic played the full 90 minutes of Serbia’s 2-0 win over Greece this week but should retain his position in the middle of the pitch. Mourinho has described the midfielder as a monster already, and the balance he provides to the side should not be underestimated.

Cesc Fabregas should have recovered from his hamstring injury in time for Saturday’s match after being excused from the Spain squad. Vicente del Bosque has hinted that the playmaker's place in the side may be in jeopardy after his absence, per Spanish radio station Onda Cero (via Pete Jensen of the Daily Mail). This is unlikely to concern Mourinho, who will be pleased to have been able to give his star player a much-needed rest.

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Eden Hazard returned to Stamford Bridge early as Belgium only played their Euro 2016 qualifier last week. He should continue his blistering start to the season on the left of the attack, with Willian on the right. Oscar’s all-round ability should see him retain his central role, where he can continue to forge a relationship with Matic and Fabregas behind him.

There is no doubt that Diego Costa will lead the line on Saturday after Mourinho’s wish to have him rest for two weeks was granted. Ahead of the 2-1 win over Liverpool, The Special One said that he had no influence on the decision for Costa to remain in London, telling the press (per Charles Perrin of the Daily Express):

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I want to make it clear I did nothing for that to happen. The plan is for him to rest after the match tomorrow and he will receive no training or treatment. We need to let him rest for a few days and then he can train. It is good news for him and it is good news for us. It's also good for the Spanish Federation to have a fit Costa.

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Controversy aside, Costa’s fitness is crucial to Chelsea’s continuing title challenge. With 10 Premier League goals already, he is on course for an outstanding debut season and will be keen to show what he can do when he is not nursing a niggling injury.

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West Bromwich Albion are exactly the sort of team that Chelsea slipped up against last season. After complaining about the slow start to several games so far, Mourinho will expect this well-rested side to put in a near-perfect performance for the full 90 minutes on Saturday.

All news from the official Chelsea website unless otherwise noted.