BAGGIES OUT TO STOP PARTY

GARETH McAULEY says West Brom are determined to stop Chelsea enjoying a title party at The Hawthorns tonight. Antonio Conte’s side know a win will see them crowned Premier League champions in the Italian manager’s first season in charge. But McAuley (left) and his Baggies team-mates have other ideas. The Northern Irishman said: “We know Chelsea want to get the title wrapped up as soon as possible.

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“But we want points for our own reasons and it would be nice to get them against Chelsea.

“Despite recent results, we have had a good season. But we still want to get to 50 points. That’s something we haven’t done before in the Premier League and we would like that.

“Night games are always good and we always enjoy playing against the top teams and pitting ourselves against them.”

West Brom have a history of upsetting Chelsea, winning three of ® their last five home games against the west London outfit.

Conte’s side beat Albion 1-0 at Stamford Bridge in December thanks to a curling Diego Costa strike, but the champions-elect have not completed a league double over West Brom since the 2010-11 campaign.

McAuley, 37, added: “We have had a few decent results against Chelsea in recent years. They are normally tight games, so hopefully we can come out on the right side of this one.

“If that makes the title race closer, that’s the way it is, but our focus is on ourselves and getting a result.”

McAuley will go head-to-head with Costa again after being at fault for the Spain striker’s goal in the game earlier this season.

But he has made amends with six goals of his own this term – only Salomon Rondon has more for the Baggies. McAuley said: “I’ve got on the end of a few set-pieces this season. Hopefully we can cause Chelsea problems.”