Chelsea relish trip to hapless West Brom

AFP, LONDON: Chelsea can put an indifferent start to their Premier League title defence further behind them by extending a winning streak at troubled West Bromwich Albion on Saturday. Antonio Conte's side are nine points adrift of leaders Manchester City after just 11 games. Yet the champions have won their last four domestic fixtures and can move from fourth to second should Manchester United and Tottenham, the clubs directly above them fail to win their fixtures.

Conte saw his side comprehensively beaten in the Champions League by Roma at the end of last month but the 1-0 Premier League defeat of Manchester United that followed was an indication no permanent damage had been sustained in Italy.

Certainly wing-back Victor Moses thought so. “As a team, whatever happens, we stick together and do the best we can,” said Moses.

“People have been a bit too harsh but we don't need to think about that or concentrate on what people have been saying.

“These criticisms are the kinds of things that makes a player stronger.

“We know we just need to believe in ourselves and prove them wrong then win as many games as we can. We are 100 per cent together. We are like brothers here.”

The 26-year-old Nigerian international said despite the gap between them and City they believe it is not insurmountable.

Chelsea relish trip to hapless West Brom

AFP, LONDON: Chelsea can put an indifferent start to their Premier League title defence further behind them by extending a winning streak at troubled West Bromwich Albion on Saturday. Antonio Contes side are nine points adrift of leaders Manchester City after just 11 games. Yet the champions have won their last four domestic fixtures and can move from fourth to second should Manchester United and Tottenham, the clubs directly above them fail to win their fixtures. Conte saw his side comprehensively beaten in the Champions League by Roma at the end of last month but the 1-0 Premier League defeat of Manchester United that followed was an indication no permanent damage had been sustained in Italy. Certainly wing-back Victor Moses thought so. As a team, whatever happens, we stick together and do the best we can, said Moses. People have been a bit too harsh but we dont need to think about that or concentrate on what people have been saying. These criticisms are the kinds of things that makes a player stronger. We know we just need to believe in ourselves and prove them wrong then win as many games as we can. We are 100 per cent together. We are like brothers here. The 26-year-old Nigerian international said despite the gap between them and City they believe it is not insurmountable.