Chelsea can take another giant step towards the Premier League title when they travel to face Stoke City on Saturday.
Stoke eased past Middlesbrough a fortnight ago, winning 2-0 at the Britannia to cement a top half spot.
Two goals from Marko Arnautovic sealed all three points and they look set for another good campaign under Mark Hughes.
Chelsea progressed into the Semi-Finals of the FA Cup last Monday, edging out Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.
Ander Herrera’s early red card proved costly for the visitors, with N’Golo Kante scoring the winner.
Premier League form: Stoke City W2 D1 L2; Chelsea W3 D2 L0
Premier League top scorers
Stoke City – Joe Allen 6 goals
Manchester City – Diego Costa 17 goals
Match history
Chelsea won 4-2 when the pair met at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season, with Willian scoring twice.
Stoke edged past Chelsea in the meeting last year, when the Blues were enduring a nightmare campaign!
Last five Premier League meetings
Chelsea 4 Stoke City 2 – 31/12/16
Chelsea 1 Stoke City 1 – 05/03/16
Stoke City 1 Chelsea 0 – 07/11/15
Chelsea 2 Stoke City 1 – 04/04/15
Stoke City 0 Chelsea 2 – 22/12/14
Under 2.5 goals – 17/20 with Bet 365
Team news
Jack Butland is nearing a return for Stoke City, but is unlikely to be avaiable on Saturday.
Xherdan Shaqiri could be among the subs as he recovers from a calf issue, whilst Saido Berahino is set to continue up front.
Victor Moses is a big doubt for Chelsea and Pedro looks set to deputise in the wing-back role.
This is likely to be the only change from the side that beat United, with Nemanja Matic preferred to Cesc Fabregas.
Expected starting XI’s
Stoke City (4-2-3-1): Grant; Bardsley, Shawcross, Martins Indi, Pieters; Cameron, Whelan; Arnautovic, Allen, Sobhi; Berahino
Chelsea (3-4-3): Courtois; Azpilicueta, Luiz, Cahill; Pedro, Matic, Kante, Alonso; Willian, Costa, Hazard
Predictions
Result: Chelsea (8/13 with Sky Bet)
Correct Score: 0-1 (6/1 with Bet 365)
Anytime Goalscorer: Diego Costa (21/20 with 888 Sport)
