Club News

Baird and Yacob start at Stamford Bridge

Four changes from last time out

CHRIS Baird and Claudio Yacob have been handed their first league starts of the season in today’s Barclays Premier League encounter at unbeaten leaders Chelsea (ko 3pm).

The duo come into the fold to replace Sebastien Pocognoli, who misses out with a hamstring injury, and James Morrison, who drops to the bench after suffering illness during the international break.

It represents a full Baggies league debut for Baird, who last featured in the Premier League off the bench in the opening-day 2-2 draw at home to Sunderland. 

Yacob, meanwhile, has enjoyed three outings off the bench this term, the last of which coming in the 1-0 victory at Leicester.

The pair are part of four changes from the defeat against Newcastle prior to the international break, Craig Gardner, back after suspension, and Stephane Sessegnon also returning.

Albion: Foster, Wisdom, Dawson, Lescott, Yacob, Baird, Gardner, Brunt, Dorrans, Sessegnon, Berahino.

Subs: Myhill, Gamboa, McAuley, Morrison, Anichebe, Samaras, Ideye. 

Chelsea: Courtois, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta, Matic, Fabregas, Willian, Oscar, Hazard, D Costa.

Subs: Cech, Zouma, Filipe Luis, Ramires, Schurrle, Drogba, Remy.

Referee: Lee Mason (Lancashire)