It’s been a rollercoaster ride for Chelsea so far but they will face one of their toughest tests in their next match, a trip to Stoke City. Riding on the brilliance of Eden Hazard, Diego Costa and N’Golo Kante, the West London club has maintained their position at the top for a long period.
Whereas, Stoke City did not have a great start to their Premier League campaign. Consecutive defeats at the hands of Man City, Everton, Spurs and Crystal Palace had compelled them to the lower half of the table. But a manager like Mark Hughes knows his attributes very well. The ex-Manchester United player has done a tremendous job with the Potters, guiding them to the top half of the table without the services of any notable players.
Chelsea are the favourites to lift the title but before that, they have to pass the stern test Stoke will provide. Stoke has been a barrier for Chelsea for the last couple of seasons. In the last seven visits to the Bet365 Stadium, the Blues have managed to win on just two occasions which Conte must have written in his notebook. Stoke have registered two clean sheets in the last two matches and the front three of Chelsea- Diego Costa, Eden Hazard and Pedro will have to be in rampaging form to break the disciplined Potters defence.
Team News And Predicted Lineups
Chelsea (3-4-3)
Except, Victor Moses, Antonio Conte has no injury headache. Moses might make it to the bench if he gets fit before the match. Kurt Zouma is likely to get a start in the defence as Cesar Azpilicueta will take Moses’ position.
Courtois; Cahill, Luiz, Zouma; Alonso, Azpilicueta, Matic, Kante; Hazard, Costa, Pedro
Stoke City (4-2-3-1)
Grant; Bardsley, Shawcross, Indi, Pieters; Cameron, Whelan; Sobhi, Allen, Arnautovic; Crouch
Key Players
Chelsea
Eden Hazard– The Belgian has been involved in virtually every attack for the Blues this season. The 3-4-3 system has made him more dangerous as he often finds acres of space to utilise and he also doesn’t need to track back to help his defence.
Diego Costa– The formidable Spanish striker has netted 17 goals this term. Stoke has won 21.3 aerial duels per game this season and Diego Costa would definitely want to prove it wrong.
Stoke City
Joe Allen– The Welsh midfielder has flourished in an advanced midfield position since his permanent move from Liverpool. The midfielder has been brilliant in particular stages and Mark Hughes would unleash one of his best players in the hope of some miracle against the Blues.
Odds
Chelsea- 1.61
Draw- 4.00
Stoke City- 6.50
