Antonio Conte: 'I'd never heard of Tony Pulis prior to Premier League move'

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has admitted that he will be coming up against an unknown quantity when his side take on Tony Pulis's West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.

The Italian confesses to having never heard of his opposite number - who has built up a reputation for his no-nonsense style of play during a 14-year coaching career - prior to joining the Blues in the summer.

Conte has done some research on the Albion boss ahead of this weekend's clash at Stamford Bridge, however, and believes that Chelsea could be in for a "very tough" afternoon when it comes to defending crosses into the box.

"Had I heard of him? I must be honest, no," he told reporters. "I know now that he is a very good manager who has never been relegated. This shows that he is a very good manager.

"Tomorrow we must be patient because West Brom are difficult. Very good at set-pieces with very good players. We have to be patient, but this team will be very tough.

"They are playing very well in this championship. We must pay great attention. It will be a physical match because we are playing a great team. It is important to go out onto the pitch with the same will to win [as we have had in recent weeks]."

Chelsea are currently on an eight-match winning streak in the Premier League, during which they have scored 22 goals and conceded just two - both coming in their last two outings.