WE’LL CRASH YOUR PARTY
McAuley warns Conte that Baggies are ready to finish home campaign on a high
WEST BROM’S Gareth McAuley claims the Baggies are determined to ruin Chelsea’s title party.
The Blues will be crowned champions if they win at The Hawthorns tomorrow but veteran McAuley says the Baggies are desperate to stop Antonio Conte and his players from celebrating on their patch.
“It would be nice for us, rather than Chelsea, to get a result,” said the 37-year-old centreback ahead of Albion’s final home game of the season. “Then we can go around the pitch and applaud our own supporters.”
West Brom have won three of their last five home matches against Chelsea, and McAuley (right) reckons they can upset them again.
“They are a top side, but over the years we have had good games against them,” said the Northern Ireland star, who despite his advanced years has played every league match this season. “We have had a few good results at The Hawthorns so we will be turning up confident and trying to win the game.” McAuley’s club and international team-mate Chris Brunt vowed Chelsea won’t have an easy ride. “We don’t want Chelsea winning the league against us, especially as it’s our last game at home,” said Brunt. “We cannot just roll over and let them get the result they need to win the league. 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.”
West Brom’s players have been accused of throwing in the towel for the season, even though they are on course to equal their highest Premier League finish of eighth.
But Brunt said: “We have worked hard to get where we are. It’s a fantastic achievement.”