The Premier League leaders would surely want to continue their impressive run when they take on Mark Hughes’ men at the Britannica stadium on Monday. This may seem like a cake walk for the Blues on paper, but it is much more important than that. Why so, you wonder? It is because Chelsea may be leading the top half of the table but not by as much as it may seem.
Chelsea Vs Stoke City- Pre-match preview and analysis
Manchester City’s diligent performance in their recent bouts see them comfortably sitting in the second position trailing the blues by a mere 3 point difference. This essentially means that Mourinho’s men cannot afford to lose focus in any of the upcoming matches; if they want to keep up their distinct run for the title in control with least contention at sight.
Both sides are expected to make a couple of changes ahead of the clash. With Cesc Fabregas returning to the squad after suspension and Diego Costa leading the attack, fans will be thrilled about the prospects of an away win from home. However, this will not be an easy task as the potters have not lost a game in their previous six clashes when they have played on Monday (W2, D4).
Despite Felipe Luis’s brilliant free kick which doubled Chelsea’s lead in the cup quarter finals, may not guarantee his place in the starting eleven with Cesar Azpilicueta set to return as the special one’s more favourite left back this season.
It may also be in the best interest of the club’s future to rest Didier Drogba for a while and give more starts to Loic Remy who hasn’t really been a part of the manager’s portfolio this season. Knowing for a fact that this might be King’s last season as a player, Remy needs to be given more playing time.
However, there is some good news for Stoke fans too. Their inform forward Bojan Krkic is likely to make it in the starting eleven after suffering a hip injury at the outset of their 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace. It would good to see him start alongside Peter Crouch to give them that marginal advantage midst the counter attacks.
Andre Schurrle is unlikely to get a start again with Willian cementing his place as a precise right winger. Thibaut Courtois is also expected to make his comeback from a muscle injury and replace Peter Cech.
Here is the expected line up for both the teams.
Chelsea Starting XI: Courtois, Gary Cahill, John Terry, Brianslav Ivanovic, Cesar Azpilicueta, Nemanja Matic, Cesc Fabregas, Willian, Eden Hazard, Oscar, Diego Costa.
Substitutes: Loic Remy, Didier Drogba, Andre Schurrle, Peter Cech, Kurt Zouma, Mikel
Stoke City Starting XI: Begovic, Philip Bardsley, Shawcross, Wilson, Pieters, Geoff Cameron, Steven N’Zonzi, Diouf, Bojan, Jonathan Walters, and Peter Crouch.
Substitutes: O Assaidi, S Sidwell, T Sorensen, Muniesa, Butland.
We know Chelsea have started this season with a completely different approach. It will require a massive effort and alertness in terms of defending and counter attacking from the potters to pose any kind of imminent threat whatsoever against a formidable attacking force led by Diego Costa.
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