Preview: West Brom's Steve Clarke targets victory over former mentor Jose Mourinho

Victory for Albion at Stamford Bridge would leave the Baggies boss' sons singing the blues along with their dad's managerial mentor, Jose Mourinho.

Chelsea's Portuguese gaffer texted his former right-hand man this week with an offer of tickets, but Clarke was able to turn his pal down.

Because youngest son Joseph will take his place at Stamford Bridge as he does every week – as a loyal fan of his old man's former club.

"I think if I pushed my lads hard enough they'd both say they were Chelsea fans," said father-of-three Clarke.

"They were brought up on Chelsea because they were born when I was at Chelsea and it's all they knew.

"As young boys they went to games when I was playing and when I became a coach.

"It's their club but I think they like their dad to do well, so maybe it will be a draw at the weekend and they'll smile for me!

"I don't know who they'd prefer to win. You'd have to ask them both.

"I think I've managed to keep my daughter onside. She wants Albion to win."

While 24-year-old John's work commitments keep him away from Stamford Bridge on matchdays and 27-year-old daughter Emma has transferred her allegiance to the Baggies, 21-year-old Joseph remains a regular at the West London club.

And he has seen a familiar face return to the dugout this season with Mourinho back in charge of Chelsea for a second spell.

Clarke acknowledges the impact that his successful spell as Mourinho's assistant had on his career, but he is keen to play down their friendship ahead of his second return to Chelsea as a boss.

"He sent me a text this week asking if I needed any tickets for the game, which was nice of him," said Clarke.

"My lad has his season ticket so he'll be watching from the Chelsea end. There are no big issues and I didn't need any tickets from him.

"I don't speak to him or text him every week but the friendship is good. When you've worked with somebody closely you build a bond and you take that bond with you for the rest of your life.

"I think we're friends rather than just former colleagues, but I haven't seen him for well over five years.

"So it will be nice to catch up with him face to face rather than just little text messages.

"But my job now is as head coach of West Bromwich Albion. I want to prepare my team well for the game and I want to get a positive result for Albion.

"I've said before that Chelsea is a big part of my career. I was there for a long time as a player and as a coach.

"But I have to be selfish and this weekend is about West Bromwich Albion for me.

"It wouldn't mean anything to me other than the fact it's another three points for the Albion.

"It would be a good scalp to take, winning at Stamford Bridge and beating Chelsea, but that's it."

Former Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka could miss his return to Stamford Bridge after a groin problem made him a major injury doubt.

Striker Victor Anichebe is back from a hamstring injury but former Chelsea trainee Scott Sinclair might be ruled out despite being back in training after his own hamstring issues.