Preview :

Leaders of the Premier League they may be but Chelsea have 2 draws in their last 2 matches and will hope to get back to winning ways when they host Stoke on Saturday.

• Stoke City go into the game unbeaten, but still looking for their first victory of the season following four consecutive Premier League draws.

• This will be a tough task however, with Stoke’s last victory at Stamford Bridge coming back in 1974, but the players will be happy if they can manage to get a point against the Blues.
• Recent history is well and truly on Chelsea’s side. Stoke have only scored three goals in eight Premier League meetings with Chelsea and have failed to score in each of their past four visits to Stamford Bridge in all competitions.In their last 10 games against Stoke, Chelsea have won eight and drawn twice.

 

Chelsea Team News :

Chelsea (Possible, 4-2-3-1):

 Cech;

Ivanovic, Luiz, Terry, Cole;

Mikel, Lampard;

Moses, Hazard, Mata;

Torres

Tests: Oscar (ankle).
Out: Sturridge, Marin (both hamstring).

• Di Matteo has a near fully fit squad to choose from, but midweek hero Oscar may miss out with an ankle injury that forced him off early against Juventus.

• Sturridge missed that match and it is unclear exactly when he will return, while fellow hamstring injury victim Marko Marin is edging closer to making his debut but will not be starting this game.

• It will be a final minute decision for Di Matteo whether to pick Moses or Ramires on the right. The back four look solid as ever but there could be a chance for Azpilicueta in place of Ivanovich. There should be no major changes in the rest of the squad.

Stoke Team News :

Tony Pulis’ side have some important momentum after claiming a point off reigning champions Manchester City last weekend but know it won’t get any easier against Chelsea.

Stoke City (Possible line up,4-5-1): 

Begovic;

Huth, Upson, Shawcross, Wilson;

Knightly, Whelan, Nzonzi, Adam, Walters;

Crouch.

Out: Wilkinson (suspended), Sidibe (groin).
Test: Ness (groin).

• For them to win, Peter Crouch and Jonathan Walters must have a solid game up front, and the Stoke defenders must keep Torres and co quiet.

• Stoke will be without Andy Wilkinson, who was caught elbowing Mario Balotelli during last weekends 1-1 draw with Manchester City, and has since been punished by the FA.

• Matthew Etherington is in contention to start having made his comeback from the bench against Manchester City, whilst Michael Owen is likely to be a substitute once more.

 

Prediction

Chelsea 1-0 Stoke

Chelsea’s back line should have a good game after letting in 2 in their previous match against Juventus and should not be conceding a goal.

Hazard will again be the key man and it will all be down to Torres to convert the chances created by Eden and co.