Despite Chelsea’s 2-0 win against Brighton and Hove Albion on Boxing Day, the Blues are still far away from the league leaders. Manchester City’s 1-0 win against Rafa Benitez’ Newcastle United means that the Champions are now 16 points adrift of the league leaders. Antonio Conte effectively ruled his team out of the race and will now look to consolidate on a top-four place.
A dull first half on the back of a frustrating 0-0 draw at Everton forced Antonio Conte into an angry team talk. It eventually led to the Blues turning up the music in the second half and comfortably seeing off Brighton and Hove Albion.
The Blues have already suffered their fourth Premier League defeat of the season in just 20 matches and have drawn three matches. Conte will know the significance of every win now with the race for top four already heating up. Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and surprise package Burnley are all within shooting distance of Chelsea and slipping up against weaker sides like Stoke City is simply not an option for the Italian.
Last time out when the two sides faced each other at the Potters’ home ground, the Blues demolished Stoke City 4-0 with their record signing Alvaro Morata bagging a delicious hat-trick.
With the Blues this time playing host to Stoke, here is how Conte will look to set his team up for a match the Blues will be expected to win comfortably.
Formation: 3-5-2
Defence
Thibaut Courtois will be expected in goal once again for the Champions. The defensive three is expected to be without David Luiz who is still out with a knee injury. Cesar Azpilicueta will be one of the three centre-backs. Antonio Rudiger will be expected to play again. Andreas Christensen who missed the last match through illness might not be risked with Gary Cahill expected to continue at the back and have the armband on the night to lead the Blues.
Marcos Alonso will prepare for what will be his umpteenth match this season as a left wing back with Davide Zappacosta expected on the right side.
Midfield
Danny Drinkwater along with N’Golo Kante can be expected at the base of the midfield with Cesc Fabregas up ahead of them. Tiemoue Bakayoko who had yet another disappointing outing against Brighton and Hove Albion last time might be on the bench to get some much-needed rest.
Attack
The dangerous duo of Eden Hazard and Alvaro Morata can be expected to start up top and will be tasked with the responsibility of scoring the goals.
