Chelsea will try to maintain their latest unbeaten run in the Premier League when they visit Stoke City. A win will move them 13 points clear of second placed Tottenham Hotspur with 10 games remaining in this season.
Mark Hughes’ men will try to take inspiration from last season when they did a double over the Blues in the League and Cup at the Bet365 Stadium. In the reverse fixture this season, the score was 4-2 as the Blues took advantage of some poor defending by the Potters. Willian scored his first ever Premier League brace for the Blues as they romped in four goals past a hapless Stoke defence.
Victor Moses is injured and might not make it to the starting lineup. Conte will have to shuffle his team a little bit. Kurt Zouma could start in the Chelsea defence in place of Cesar Azpilicueta who will replace Moses in the right wingback position. Antonio Conte’s team are favourites to emerge as the Champions but they have to be at their best to see off the challenge which the Potters will throw at them.
If Diego Costa scores against the Potters it will be his 50th goal in the Premier League for the Blues.
Predicted 3-4-3 Chelsea lineup Vs Stoke City
Defence
Thibaut Courtois will remain the number one choice for Conte. The Belgian shot stopper has been absolutely massive for the Blues in this season.
Kurt Zouma will start alongside Gary Cahill and David Luiz. The three-man defence formula has been a hit with the Blues and the Italian gaffer will stick to it.
Marcos Alonso is the favourite to start in the left wing back position. The Spaniard has been brilliant in the new position.
Cesar Azpilicueta will take the right wing back position as Victor Moses is nursing an injury.
Midfield
N’Golo Kante will start in the two-man midfield alongside Nemanja Matic. Since his arrival from the defending champions, Kante has emerged as the most crucial player under Conte.
Attack
Eden Hazard will start on his preferable left wing. Stoke will try to put pressure like United did in the last match but he has the capability to overcome those.
On the other wing, Conte will prefer Pedro. The Spaniard has gelled well with the team.
It will be Diego Costa’s 80th game in the Premier League and he will try to do what he has done so far- score goals.
