Prediction: Stoke City vs Chelsea

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Bet 365

Chelsea will be looking to keep up with the leaders at the top of the Premier League when they visit Stoke at the Bet365 Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Stoke City

It’s been an indifferent start to the season for Stoke after picking up points against tough opposition but then failing to perform against teams of a lesser nature. An impressive win over Arsenal and a deserved draw against Manchester United was overshadowed by disappointing losses to Everton and Newcastle. However, it was quite possibly the Potters’ home form that proved to be the difference here and they will be looking to turn the Bet365 Stadium into a fortress for the rest of the campaign. Mark Hughes’ men are currently 13^th in the league table having won only once and they are coming into the match off an embarrassing Carabao cup exit to Bristol City midweek. That said, Stoke did field a much-changed line-up and their impressive home record will give them every bit of confidence of getting a result against Chelsea. Hughes will know that it will be a tough test against the champions but if their star players can find some form on the day then they could snatch a draw.

Team News

Mark Hughes has a mini defensive crisis with the ineligibly of Kurt Zouma to face his former club, and injuries to both Ryan Shawcross and Geoff Cameron.

Former Spurs defender Kevin Wimmer could come in.

Chelsea

After a disappointing 0-0 draw at home against Arsenal last week, in which they could have lost, Chelsea will be looking to get back to winning ways against Stoke on Saturday. Antonio Conte’s men are currently three points behind the two Manchester clubs who sit at the top of the league, but they have already had some sloppy results at Stamford Bridge. Their opening day loss to Burnley highlighted some of their frailties and they are slowly becoming a team renown for going down to 10 men. David Luiz’ red card on Sunday meant it is now three times in the last five games that a player has been sent off for the Blues.  On a more positive note, Chelsea have a 100% record away from home and should be confident of continuing that form after resting a lot of their star players for the 5-1 cup thrashing of Nottingham Forest midweek. Eden Hazard looks set to make his league comeback against Stoke, and when you combine that with the form of Alvaro Morata then it could prove to be another successful day on the road.

Team News

David Luiz is suspended following his red card against Arsenal last week.

However, Gary Cahill looks set to return, and so does Eden Hazard after playing 90 minutes midweek.

Key Factors to Consider

• Both teams have scored in five of the last meetings between both sides in all competitions
• Chelsea have only lost once away since their defeat to Tottenham in January
• Stoke have suffered 13 league defeats to the Blues, more than any other opponent
• Conte’s men have won seven of their last eight games away
• Chelsea have been given as many red cards in their last five league games (3) then they had done in their previous 73

Conclusion

This has the making to be a fascinating game and one in which both teams will fancy their chances. We don’t think Stoke will win but we could see them maybe snatching a draw against the champions. Having said that, Chelsea look great away from home and will want to keep the pressure on the league leaders. Both teams look surely to score in this match.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Bet 365