Azpilicueta out, Cole in? Stoke vs Chelsea predicted line-ups and stats preview

Stoke vs Chelsea

Date: 7th November 2013

KO: 3pm

Chelsea travel to the Britannia Stadium this weekend with the opportunity to close the gap between themselves and league leaders Arsenal. Jose Mourinho’s side could move within one point of the Gunners providing they win three points against the Potters.

Team News:

Stoke

When the two teams last met, Jonathan Walters scored two own goals and missed a penalty in a 4-0 home defeat. The Republic of Ireland international remains a doubt for the visit of Chelsea due to a thigh problem, while Robert Huth (knee) is set to miss out again.

Chelsea

Mourinho, meanwhile, has question marks over the fitness of Samuel Eto’o(hamstring), David Luiz (knee) and Oscar (ankle), who all missed Chelsea’s 4-3 midweek victory at Sunderland.

Oscar would be the biggest loss for the Blues in this match. The Brazilian midfielder has scored five goals to date, whilst creating 17 chances for his side.

Possible Line-ups

Stoke

Manager Mark Hughes saw Erik Pieters limp off at half-time in the stalemate on Wednesday and he could miss out with Marc Muniesa likely to come in at left-back.

Meanwhile, if fit, Jonathan Walters could come into the starting 11 at the expense of Oussama Assaidi.

Chelsea

Ashley Cole could be in line to return to the first team at left back, having missed the club’s last four Premier League fixtures through a rib injury. The rest of the back-line should remain unchanged, although David Luiz may be be given rare start, as Christmas rotation slowly comes into effect at the Bridge.

With no new injury worries, Mourinho must decide on whether to reshuffle his attacking midfielders, or stick with the impressive trio who featured versus Sunderland. It’s likely that he will make just the one change, with Andre Schurrle coming in for Willian. Frank Lampard should play, but John Obi Mikel could replace Ramires, with the Brazilian in need of a rest.

Fernando Torres could also return to the first team, replacing Demba Ba.

Recent Form:

Chelsea have experienced the better form of the two sides, as would be expected. The away team have now won three games on the trot, having overcome Sunderland, Southampton and West Ham.

Stoke on the other hand have one just once in their last five Premier League matches. With draws against Southampton, Swansea and Cardiff and a heavy defeat to Everton, the Potters have not had the best run of results heading into this weekend’s fixture.

Players to Watch

Stoke – Asmir Begovic

It is without doubt that Asmir Begovic is Stoke’s key man. The Bosnian goalkeeper has been outrageous between the sticks this campaign and even has one goal to his name.

The 26-year-old has five clean sheets to his name and he has the same number of awards for Squawka’s ‘Keeper of the Week’. Averaging 2.5 saves a game, the Potters have been reliant on his form at times and this is likely to continue against Chelsea.

Chelsea – Eden Hazard

Eden Hazard was in sublime form as he scored twice against Sunderland during the week. The Belgian ace looked fantastic on the ball and I’m sure he will be eager to build on that performance against Stoke.

Currently he is the club’s leading scorer and most creative player, with six goals and 32 key passes to his name. Hazard will provide the catalyst for any potential Chelsea success this season.

Prediction

Chelsea have fared well in their previous two away matches and I would expect them to pick up another three points against a struggling Stoke City. However, the Blues have been shaky in defence and it is likely the home side will snatch a goal or two.

Stoke 1-3 Chelsea