Stoke City welcome former European and Premier League champions Chelsea to the Britannia Stadium this weekend.
Jose Mourinho`s Chelsea currently sit second in the Premier League, four points behind Arsenal and are unbeaten in their last four Premier League outings.
After a stuttering start to the season, Mourinho has seemed to find the right formula with his talented squad in his second stint as Chelsea`s manager.
The likes of Eden Hazard and Oscar have started to fire on all cylinders, and whilst the strikers have struggled to find the net (remind you of anything Stoke fans) Chelsea have started to score freely as of late.
In their last 3 outings the Blues have scored at least 3 goals in their victories against West Ham (3-0), Southampton (3-1) and Sunderland (3-4).
Sandwiched between those victories, Mourinho`s boys did lose in Switzerland to FC Basle in the Champions League which proves that they are beatable, and of late have started to leak goals, most noticeably on Wednesday when they conceded 3 goals to a Sunderland side that Stoke kept a clean sheet against a number of weeks ago.
The Potters come into this game after a mixed week after being hammered 4-0 at Goodison Park last weekend, but managed to pick up a point against newly promoted Cardiff City after a 0-0 draw at the Britannia Stadium on Wednesday.
Mark Hughes has yet to fully implicate his new system on the Potters since his arrival in the summer and if he can`t turn the ship soon then the Potters could find themselves in the thick of a relegation battle.
Vital Quotes:
Asmir Begovic talking to TalkSport:
‘We are not panicking. We know it is a long season and I am sure as the season goes on we will be stronger.
‘We are happy with what we are trying to do. We are still trying to find our identity under the new manager.’
Mark Hughes talking to Sky Sports:
‘The one thing we’ve got going for us is our record at the Britannia.
‘You always sense there’s a little bit of apprehension in opposition teams.
‘The Britannia needs to be a really difficult place to come to, and for the most part it has been this season.
‘To be able to get the crowd with us we have to give them something to cheer and we’ve got to get momentum in our play and have sustained pressure.
‘If we can do that then Chelsea know it will be difficult for them.
‘It’s a big test, obviously. At the moment they seem to be scoring lots of goals and have lots of options in terms of personnel.”
Jose Mourinho talking to Sky Sports:
‘This week is a hard week because we start on a Sunday, not even on a Saturday, playing Southampton, but finish on a Saturday.
‘For some clubs it’s Saturday-Sunday when for us it’s Sunday-Saturday.
‘Once more when it comes to fixtures, we are always in trouble. It’s a big coincidence.
‘I don’t like to give a day off to the players after a big game, but I’ll have to give them the day off on Sunday.
‘I don’t think it’s good for their body, but it’s good for their heads.
‘I like to give physiological recovery, but the mental point of view is more important. It’s important they have a free Sunday to disconnect.’
Stoke City Team News:
Stoke only have one injury as Robert Huth will be out up until New Year following surgery. Arnautovic came through 90 minutes on Wednesday at Cardiff without any problems.
Walters and Ireland are both fighting to return to the starting eleven after shaking off knocks as Erik Pieters is fine to start after being forced to come off at half time against Cardiff.
Player to watch: Marco Arnautovic
Arnie still seems to be settling into English football, but has impressed over the ‘bigger` sides. He knows Mourinho from his Inter Milan days and will be chomping at the bit to get one over on his former gaffer.
Chelsea Team News:
Chelsea can welcome back Samuel Eto`o and Oscar after regaining fitness after knocks, whilst David Luiz is out and Marco van Ginkel is a long term absentee.
Player to watch: Eden Hazard
The little winger has moved up a gear in the last few weeks and has the ability to be a real game changer if given the opportunity. Stoke`s full backs need to be careful not to be caught too far up field, or the Belgian international will punish them.
Match Facts & Stats
Stoke have failed to score in their last four outings against Chelsea
The Potters are unbeaten in their last four home games.
Chelsea have won 10 out of the last 12 meetings against Stoke in all competitions
Ref Watch:
Here’s one we made earlier Jon Moss
Match Prediction:
There will be goals in this game! (Quick everyone bet on 0-0) I think Chelsea will have too much about them with the quality in their ranks but Stoke will snatch a couple goals against the Blues vulnerable defence.
Stoke 2-4 Chelsea
Next Fixtures:
Potters travel to Hull for next weekend’s Saturday night football, whilst Mourinho and Co. host Steaua Bucharest in the Champions League.
