Chelsea
Stoke vs Chelsea: Preview, Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Key Man & Predicted Score
Chelsea take on Stoke City at the Britannia on Saturday afternoon looking to close the gap at the top of the Premier League. Here’s a preview for the game.
Chelsea take on Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday afternoon looking to close the gap at the top of the Premier League.
The Blues head into the game sitting four points off leaders Arsenal so will hope to cut their rivals advantage to just a single point ahead of the Gunners clash with Everton on Sunday.
Jose Mourinho’s men warmed up for the trip to the Britannia with a hard-fought 4-3 win away at Sunderland in midweek, which was the west Londoners fourth straight league win on the bounce.
Stoke on the other hand sit 14th in the table – just four points off the relegation zone – and will hope to get back to winning ways having been held to a 0-0 draw by Cardiff last time out.
Boss Mark Hughes will take on his former side and can take heart from the fact the Potters have held Chelsea at home twice in the last three years.
Team News
Stoke will once again be without the services of defender Robert Huth, who’s facing several weeks out with a knee injury.
Hughes has no fresh injury concerns to contend with so has almost his entire squad to choose from. Although he may opt to stick with the team that drew with Cardiff in midweek.
Chelsea will be without David Luiz with the Brazilian remaining out with a knee injury. His absence means Gary Cahill will continue alongside John Terry at the back.
Jose Mourinho has confirmed Ashley Cole will start one of the next two games, but he may be held back to face Steau Bucharest on Wednesday. Striker Samuel Eto’o is back in contention and will battle with Demba Ba and Fernando Torres for the starting berth up front.
Midfielder Oscar remains on the sidelines with an ankle injury that he picked up against Southampton last weekend, while Andre Schurrle could come in for Willian and Frank Lampard may get a rest.
Likely Line-Ups
Key Man
Eden Hazard: The Belgian was in sensational form against Sunderland, scoring two goals and setting up another, and he’ll be the one to watch again this weekend.
Predicted Score
Stoke 0-2 Chelsea: The visitors are starting to find their stride and we think Chelsea will come away with the three points this weekend.
What would be your team for the game and what’s your predicted score? Share your views below.
