Antonio Conte counted Chelsea as “underdogs” when he arrived at Stamford Bridge over the summer but now has to contemplate life as a title contender. “It’s difficult to accept this,” he offered before Sunday’s visit of an in form West Bromwich Albion. “I suppose it’s normal when you are playing well and winning a lot of games, but we have to make sure we don’t lose our hunger.” The visitors, awkward opponents and pepped by their own recent burst of positive results, will test their hosts’ momentum but, after eight wins in a row, Chelsea can be unstoppable at times. Dominic Fifield
Kick-off Sunday noon
Venue Stamford Bridge
Last season Chelsea 2 West Brom 2
Live BT Sport 1
Referee Mike Dean
This season G11, Y45, R3, 4.36 cards per game
Odds H 3-10 A 14-1 D 5-1
Chelsea
Subs from Begovic, Eduardo, Ivanovic, Zouma, Aina, Fàbregas, Mikel, Pedro, Van Ginkel, Oscar, Loftus-Cheek, Chalobah, Batshuayi
Doubtful David Luiz (knee), Matic (calf), Oscar (ill), Pedro (ankle), Van Ginkel, Zouma (both match fitness)
Injured Terry (gluteal strain, 17 Dec)
Suspended None
Form WWWWWW
Discipline Y30 R0
Leading scorer Costa 11
West Bromwich Albion
Subs from Palmer, Rose, Galloway, Field, Gardner, Leko, Olsson, McClean, Robson-Kanu, Morrison
Doubtful McAuley, Morrison (both match fitness)
Injured Berahino (match fitness, unknown), Myhill (ankle, unknown)
Suspended None
Form LLWWDW
Discipline Y33 R0
Leading scorers Chadli, Rondón 4
