<
>

Chris Brunt promises Chelsea a tough test in visit to West Brom

Chelsea have been warned West Brom will be no pushovers when they head to The Hawthorns for a prospective title party.

Antonio Conte's side know they will become Premier League champions in the Italian's first season at the helm if they defeat Tony Pulis' men on Friday night.

However, eighth-placed West Brom are still chasing their own goals of a top-half finish and the five points they need to reach 50 and eclipse their best-ever Premier League tally.

"It's our last game at home, and we've done reasonably well at home, so it would be nice to go out and get a result against them if we can,'' said Albion midfielder Chris Brunt.

"We can't just roll over and let them get the result they need to win the league. They won't get an easy game when they come to The Hawthorns on Friday.

"We've lost the last couple at home without scoring a goal. Chelsea are a top side and it's going to be really difficult, but it would be nice to finish off on a high if we can.''

It was the Baggies who derailed Tottenham's title quest at White Hart Lane last year when a 1-1 draw handed Spurs a blow they could not recover from with three to play.

Chelsea have won just once in their previous five trips to West Brom and a fourth defeat in six would see them bow out on a high in their final home game, ensuring the customary lap of honour would not be overshadowed by jubilant scenes from the visitors.

"It would be nice if we got a result to go around the pitch and appreciate our own supporters after that game,'' added defender Gareth McAuley.

"They're a top, top side. Over the years we've had good games against them and we've had a few good results at The Hawthorns, so we'll be turning up confident and trying to win the game.

"It will be a hard game. They're going for the title and we've still got things to play for ourselves.

"We're leaving it late but we've still got three games left to get 50 points, there's still a desire in the group to do that and we want to finish strong.''