Premier League: Chelsea vs. Stoke City - Match Preview
Stoke City may feel like they have drawn the short straw this weekend, as they are up against the mesmerising Chelsea. Back in April, Stoke City were thumped 7-0 by Chelsea, and the memories of that nightmare may come flashing back to them. Chelsea has been on a rampage this season; although they have played just two games so far, they have already knocked in 12 goals without reply. The 7-0 win for Chelsea against Stoke sparked a run of a goal spree for the Blues; one they have carried forward from last season. The champions have scored 29 goals in the last 5 Premier League games: that comes to an average of 5.8 goals per match. Not a very encouraging statistic for Stoke to go into the match with.
Scoring 29 goals in 5 games is not the end of it; they have also not conceded a goal in the league now for more than 450 minutes. The only injury worry for Chelsea is defender Jose Bosingwa; other than that, they may be looking to give a debut to the latest signing Ramires from Benfica. Upfront, there is no question as to who would be leading the lines. The ever intimidating Didier Drogba would be paired up with the Frenchman Nicolas Anelka. Florent Malouda has been impressive on the wing and has made the position his own; he was one of the biggest reasons Joe Cole was forced to leave the club. Salomon Kalou would be on the bench and may be used later to either make an impact or just join in the fun.
Stoke City, on the other hand, would be without Mamady Sidibé and Liam Lawrence. Kenwyne Jones, the latest singing from Sunderland, may be given a start; he missed the last match due to an ankle injury but is believed to be recovering in time. Jon Walters, who was signed last week from Ipswich Town, may also be in contention to start; he scored his first goal for the club midweek in the Carling Cup win against Shrewsbury.
Stoke City manager Tony Pulis said that Chelsea is by far the best team in the league right now; he added that it would be a big test for his team, but these are the matches that determine the resolve of a squad. He said that 12 goals in two games are for sure intimidating, and it does feel like stepping into the lion’s den. However, he said that he has faith in his team to give the champions a good fight; he said that it’s a matter of 90 minutes and anything can happen.
Meanwhile, Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti said that he is pleased with the start his team has made. He said that prior to the season, they lost 3 pre-season matches followed by the defeat to Manchester United at the Community Shield match. He said that many questions were being asked from him and his team, and they have answered them all in the best way possible.
Ancelotti said that he is making sure that his team takes every game as a big one; he added that regardless of the opposition, every point in the league is gold dust. The Italian manager went on to say that he would not be taking it easy at all and would field his best team possible. The Italian, while reflecting back on the last season, said that the league was decided by just one point and he does not want it to be that close this time round and would make sure they do not take their foot off the paddle.
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