Chelsea FC vs Stoke City: Thoughts And Prediction
By Lou Flavius
After a long — and seemingly never-ending — international break, Premier League football is set to kick off again this weekend.
More from Chelsea
- “600 days” Fans make SHOCK Chelsea revelation – They really are poor
- Chelsea injury news: Most expensive midfielder is a doubt vs Aston Villa
- Chelsea: Mauricio Pochettino mandates a “ridiculous offer” to sell defender
- When should Chelsea start to panic about Mauricio Pochettino?
- Chelsea: HUGE boost as Pochettino starts “world-class” midfielder today
With the race for the title threatening to go down to the wire, league leaders Chelsea FC will host Stoke City in a crucial match-up at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
A win could see the Blues solidify their position at the top — depending on other results — but anything else could blow the race wide open, with Arsenal and Manchester United ready to make a late desperate run.
Willian Celebrates Goal – Credit: Raymond Langingi (Flickr Creative Commons)
“Is the title race over? No. It’s really difficult. We have nine games — really difficult games.”
The Potters — who took three points off Chelsea last season — sit comfortably in 10th place, but despite not being under much pressure, they should present formidable opposition.
The title is Chelsea’s to lose, but they are yet to face Man. United, Arsenal and Liverpool in the second half of the season. Any slip-up could prove to be very costly, so insurance points against the smaller (for lack of a better word) teams could come in handy near the end.
Brazil and Chelsea left-back Filipe Luis believes that even with their six-point lead, the Blues need to get through the Red Devils and the Gunners to clinch their first title in five years.
"“Is the title race over? No. It’s really difficult. We have nine games — really difficult games. The Premier League is never easy.We have to be better than ever because these games are coming up with a lot of pressure, but I think we’re prepared to cope with the hard situation we have.”-Filipe LuisSource: Daily Star"
Manchester City have an arguably easier fixture against Crystal Palace on Monday, so it’s imperative that Jose Mourinho and his men collect all three points.
The Blues haven’t lost a league match at home this season, while Stoke City have only lost two of their last six away games.
Mark Hughes will be hoping that his team could make it two in seven, although they have failed to score in six of their last seven encounters with Chelsea. Out of the last 13 meetings in the league, the Potters have only won once.
More from The Top Flight
- Barcelona identify Newcastle star as Robert Lewandowski replacement
- Arsenal injury news: Mikel Arteta confirms “rapid” attacker suffered injury
- “600 days” Fans make SHOCK Chelsea revelation – They really are poor
- Arsenal transfer news: Mikel Arteta rivals Manchester United for wonderkid
- Manchester United: Erik ten Hag pinpoints 4 players amid Brighton loss
Diego Costa — who scored in his last two games — was out with the Chelsea squad today, as he continues rehabilitation training, after picking up a hamstring injury vs Hull City almost two weeks ago.
The striker was unable to join Spain during the break, but he may be fit enough to feature on Saturday. Mourinho should provide an update on his condition in his presser tomorrow.
Prediction
If Costa plays, the Blues will have a significant advantage. Eden Hazard presents another major threat out on the wing, and could put the Potters away all on his own if he has a good day.
Stoke’s system and physicality has the potential to really frustrate Chelsea, but the Blues showed that they could cope, with a 2-0 victory at the Britannia in December.
Striker Jon Walters has scored seven goals so far this season, also providing three assists. The big forward will need to be monitored closely by the Chelsea defense.
Final Score: Chelsea FC – 2, Stoke City – 0