Chelsea concedes late to draw 2-2 with West Brom in EPL

However, Tony Pulis’ West Brom would be a completely different proposition for the Blues and manager Guus hiddink would have to field the best squad that is available to him.

West Brom by contrast would uncharacteristically look shaky during their cup game with Championship strugglers Bristol City – with the Baggies grabbing a late equaliser to clinch a somewhat embarrassing 2-2 draw. Notoriously defensive in style, manager Pulis would certainly settle for a point away at the Bridge. “If you have to push the players then it’s hard to survive in the Premier League”. “West Brom always bounce back, there is great character”. It is pragmatic but incredibly functional, as his impressive record of having never been relegated from the Premier League in his entire career has demonstrated. By comparison, the title-winning side of last season went unbeaten at Stamford Bridge, dropping just eight points all year.

But there was to be one final twist as McClean curled home a precise effort with his weaker right foot from 20 yards to earn his side a point and leave Chelsea frustrated.

Brazilian midfielder Oscar is a doubt for the game and is likely to be replaced by the Spaniard Cesc Fabregas.

Chelsea were ahead midway through the first half thanks to Cesar Azpilicueta, before Craig Gardner – on as a seventh-minute substitute for James Morrison – levelled matters in the 33rd minute.

Just when things had appeared to peter out somewhat, a Willian cross into the box was diverted into his own net by an unfortunate Gareth McAuley, who was put under real pressure by Kenedy when sliding in.

Out: Radamel Falcao, Eden Hazard (groin).

Jonas Olsson returns for the Baggies but Victor Anichebe remains on the bench after recovering from a hamstring injury.

It was a substitution that seemed to send a surge of extra energy through the Chelsea team and, with Kenedy racing forward, there was further controversy after Claudio Yacob tripped Costa off the ball to provoke further outrage from the Chelsea forward.

Chelsea started the 2015/16 Premier League season in frightful fashion, however, they’ve been doing greatly in their past few games. James McClean and Salomón Rondón are both back after serving suspensions.