The Blues will be fresh from their draw against Juventus in the UEFA Champions League and will look to continue their good run of form at home to Stoke this weekend.
Chelsea:
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Rangers-c40314 at Loftus Road on Saturday and although the John Terry-Anton Ferdinand saga was the highlight before the game, the players were devoid of creativity during the ninety minutes.
However they responded in correct fashion during the week and last night gave the Bianconeri a run for their money, before conceding twice to give up their lead. Nonetheless, their attack seems to be functioning well and will be ready to welcome the Potters at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Stoke City:
The Potters fought tooth and nail to grab a point against reigning champions Manchester City and manager http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Tony-c35440 Pulis will be pleased with his side’s gritty display. Over the years, the Britannia Stadium giants have become contenders for a European place and will look to continue that trend with a win in London this time around.
Team News:
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786:
Di Matteo will surely be impressed by what he saw last night against Juventus and could possibly name Oscar in his starting line-up once again after the Brazilian star strutted his stuff despite the world-class players on show.
His first goal might have been down to luck, but the second one oozed class and showed everyone what he was really capable of doing if given the time to shine. And considering how he adjusted alongside http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Fernando-Torres-c13707, the tactician may opt for him instead of Juan Mata, who came off the bench.
Injuries are far and few for the UEFA Champions League holders and with http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Marko-Marin-c24198 starring for the reserves, there could be added depth in the squad.
John Obi-Mikel struggled alongside the likes of Andrea Pirlo last night and could possibly be replaced with either http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Frank-Lampard-c14097.
Defence has been particularly strong for Chelsea this season and the trainer will hope that the backline continues their fine form against Stoke, who are renowned for their tough tackling approach.
Stoke City:
Pulis has little concern with regards to the treatment table for this one and on the contrary could witness the return of Jamie Ness, who is nursing a thigh strain that he suffered on his debut against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Columbus-Crew-c38850.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Michael-Owen-c25355 is a surprise package and could possibly be in the mix according to the gaffer.
"http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Michael-c25261 has trained ever so well over the last couple of days. He is desperate to get going. But he needs a lot more football. He has done a lot of work by himself, fitness-wise, but playing games is a lot different from just running."
The club themselves have radicalized their ambitions since joining the top flight and midfielder http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jonathan-c18993 Walters believes that it’s testament not only to the administration but the coach as well.
"It is massive. The manager said when we first came in it was a building process each year and each year we have found that. Obviously the club has pushed on - new training ground, signing big players.
"Hopefully the fans are grateful for that and will keep coming and cheering us on but it is up to us to give them something to cheer about. It is a great club to be around at the minute because there is a big buzz."
Key Players:
Chelsea: http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Oscar-c28720
Following a virtuoso performance at the Bridge, the Selecao star will be looking to cement his position with a similar outing this weekend.
Stoke City: Peter Crouch
The former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/England-c749 star is pinnacle in attack for the Potters and will be responsible for converting the chances that come his way.
Prediction:
Chelsea 2-1 Stoke City
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