Chelsea vs Stoke Preview, Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Key Man + Predicted Score

Chelsea play host to Stoke City at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon in what is the only all-Premier League tie in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

The Blues eased into this stage of the competition with a 2-0 win over Derby County but should faces a much sterner test against Stoke this weekend.

The win at Pride Park was the latest in what’s been an impressive run for the west Londoners that’s seen them win all six of their previous games, including a 3-1 win over Premier League champions Manchester United last weekend.

Jose Mourinho will be looking to add to the solitary FA Cup he won back in 2007 during his first spell in charge at Stamford Bridge, but he will be facing an old Chelsea favourite in Mark Hughes tomorrow.

He bring his Potters side to the capital looking to put their relegation worries to one side and seek a morale-boosting cup run. Leicester City pushed them all the way in the previous round but they have since lost their last two league games to leave them sitting 14th in the table and just five points off the drop zone.

Team News

Mourinho is expected to shuffle his pack with Wednesday’s clash with West Ham at the back of his mind.

Fernando Torres has been ruled out for up to a month with a knee injury so Samuel Eto’ – who hit a hat-trick last week – is expected to be rested with Demba Ba given a rare start up front.

One man who won’t be in contention is Juan Mata after Chelsea agreed to sell him to rivals Manchester United, while the Spaniard’s replacement, Mohamed Salah, won’t be registered in time to feature.

Nemanja Matic should make his full debut having come off the bench against United and Frank Lampard is expected to be recalled.  Andre Schurrle wasn’t in the squad last weekend so could be involved tomorrow.

Stoke have been boosted by the return of Asmir Begovic who trained this week after recovering from a broken finger and is expected to come straight back in to the starting line-up.

Hughes is unlikely to recall Kenwyne Jones after he refused to play against Liverpool two weeks ago which saw him dropped form the squad to face Crystal Palace.

John Guidetti could feature after coming off the bench last week.

Likely Line-Ups

Key Man

Eden Hazard: The Belgian has been in scintillating form this season and will certainly be the main threat to the Stoke back-line if he starts this match.

Predicted Score

Chelsea 2-0 Stoke: The Blues are in great form and we can’t see past a home win here.

What team would you start and what’s your predicted score? Share your views below.