Stoke City v Chelsea – English Premier League: Match Preview
As Stoke City prepares to host Chelsea at the Britannia stadium on Saturday, 2nd of April 2011, both teams will be gunning to gain all three points from their vital English Premier League encounter. Let’s take a look at how Tony Pulis’s men and Carlo Ancelotti’s outfit will line up to battle against each other...
Stoke City
Currently tenth in the English Premier League table with just 37 points from a total of 30 matches in the 2010-2011 English league season, Stoke City are looking like mid-table fodder right now when compared to the likes of Chelsea. Tony Pulis’ men have been inconsistent this season, but they have just done enough to retain a steady spot in the Premier League table away from relegation mayhem.
Out of their last five competitive fixtures, Stoke City have won two, lost two and drawn one. Their latest English Premier League encounter ended in a win for the Potters, as they battered Newcastle United by four goals to nil at the Britannia stadium. However, Stoke’s woeful record against Chelsea will serve as deterrence. Earlier on in the season, Pulis’ team was defeated 2-0 at Stamford Bridge by the Premier League champions. Additionally, Stoke have failed to score against Chelsea in their last three meetings with the London club.
Chelsea
Presently third in the English Premier League table, Chelsea’s Premier League charge has seen a resurgence in the past few weeks due to their wins over Manchester United and Manchester City. However, the Blues are still nine points behind the league leaders, Manchester United. Carlo Ancelotti has already started to play down Chelsea’s title hopes but with their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal tie against the Red Devils approaching thick and fast, Chelsea might rest some of their star players for this tie in question against Stoke.
Moreover, Chelsea has been in a fine run of form in the English Premier League. Carlo Ancelotti’s men won their last league encounter against Manchester City and before that they won against Blackpool. The biggest worry for Chelsea since the January transfer window has been http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Fernando-Torres-c13707’s woeful form. The Spanish target-man is yet to open his goal-scoring account for the London outfit.
Team News
Stoke City have a relatively fit squad as their star players are all fully fit at the moment. Jermain Pennant, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Robert-Huth-c31243 is also fit enough to gain a staring place for the Potters.
Expected Stoke City line up: Asmir Begović, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jermaine-Pennant-c18364, Mike Jones, John Carew
Conversely, Chelsea will welcome a fully fit Frank Lampard and John Terry back from their national team responsibilities. Fernando Torres is also fit to start for the Premier League champions alongside the mercurial http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Didier-Drogba-c11044.
Expected Chelsea line up: http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Nicolas-Anelka-c27786, Fernando Torres
Key Players
Stoke City will bank on their winger, Jermain Pennant to deliver quality balls in towards the likes of Kenwyne Jones and John Carew. Pennant has been a revelation for Stoke ever since his transfer to the English Premier League outfit from http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Real-Zaragoza-c40344 in La Liga. He was their star player in Stoke’s win over Newcastle United in the last round of Premier League fixtures.
Chelsea’s offensive responsibilities will once again come down upon Didier Drogba’s shoulders. Despite the Ivory Coast striker’s inadequate performance, he has already contributed with ten goals and seven assists towards http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786’s title defence.
Prediction
Chelsea’s firepower coupled with their midfield strength means that they are the favourites to win this encounter despite Stoke’s home advantage. Prediction: Stoke 0 – 2 Chelsea.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely of the writer’s and do not reflect the official editorial policy of www.bettor.com
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