The games continue to come with alarming regularity. After the long trip north, in midweek, to face Sunderland, Chelsea are back on the road this weekend for what could be a physical and feisty encounter against a Mark Hughes led Stoke City. The Britannia Stadium can be an inhospitable place to visit and the home fans will try to make our visit as unpleasant as ever. However, with the side beginning to show some form (I`ll ignore the blips against Newcastle and FC Basel), Jose Mourinho will be looking to return to London with all three points. Will that be the end result? I guess only time will tell but I`m reasonably optimistic, how about you?
Vital Quotes:
Ahead of the trip to Stoke, to take on a Mark Hughes managed side, Jose Mourinho has spoken about the importance of our recent two away victories against West Ham and Sunderland with regards to Arsenal`s recent spate of home games, with the Special One, remarking,
“We have won two consecutive matches away and Arsenal have had two at home.”
“That gives them more chances to win the six points, so it was important the gap didn`t open.”
Which I feel is a fair enough point.
As for the opposition, Charlie Adam, their Scottish midfielder, has warned us that we face the usual physical challenge, remarking to the media hounds,
“We have a tough game against Chelsea. But they know it`ll be the same for them.”
“We`ve shown we want to fight for the jersey.”
“It was a physical game against Cardiff. I like that.”
“It`ll be the same on Saturday. We`re at home so we want to take the game to them.”
My belief is that will suit us fine knowing that we can launch our decisive counter-attacking football.
Stoke City Team News:
The latest from the Stoke camp is that there are no new injury concerns following the dour 0-0 draw against Cardiff City in midweek.
Unfortunately, there will be no chance for the former Chelsea player, Robert Huth. To start against his former club as he`s on the side-lined injured, Marc Wilson is expected to deputize.
Player to watch: Jonathan Walters
We`re not sure if he`ll be playing tomorrow but if he is he`ll be hoping for a far better ninety minutes than in the corresponding fixture last season where he missed two penalties and scored an own goal in our 4-0 win.
Chelsea Team News:
Following the decent victory, up at the Stadium of Light, Jose Mourinho will have some decisions to make regarding his team selection.
The ‘Special One` has already intimated that Ashley Cole will play against either Stoke or Steau Bucharest with Cesar Azpilicueta taking a well deserved rest and he`s also intimated that Samuel Eto`o is available for selection again.
With regards to injuries, Marco Van Ginkel remains side-lined, whilst we await news on the Brazilian duo of David Luiz and Oscar.
Player to watch: Eden Hazard
The Belgian had a magnificent game up at the Stadium of Light, earning rave reviews from Jose Mourinho and also the opposition boss, Gus Poyet. Chelsea supporters will be hoping that he can replicate that level against Stoke, although he might have to be wary of some of the crude challenges that`ll come in. But, returning to the previous match, Eden had this to say about his level of performance,
“This season that was my best game. I hope I can continue like this.”
And so do we!
Match Facts & Stats
Chelsea arrive in Stoke knowing they`ve not lost to Stoke in the last 14 League fixtures with Chelsea winning 11 and drawing 3
The last time Stoke beat Chelsea was back in 1995 in a League Cup second-round replay.
Ref Watch:
The officials appointed for this match are:-
Referee – J. Moss
Assistants – J. Brooks and J. Flynn
Fourth Official – R. East
Match Prediction:
I`d like to think that, at this point of the season, we`ve started to display a modicum of force that will serve us well at the Britannia Stadium, but I have my concerns. Our inability, up at the Stadium of Light, to adequately defend and subsequently clear set-pieces cost us and with Stoke City being famed for their set-piece execution could cost us dearly. But let`s look on the bright side, shall we! We have an enormous amount of talent in our side, we should be far too good for Stoke, all that we need is application, dedication and some sheer hard work and then we`ll be returning south with the three points. Although don`t be too shocked if we do fall behind again, it seems to be the new Chelsea thing doesn`t it!
Next Fixtures:
In midweek we conclude our Champions League group when Steau Bucharest visits Stamford Bridge. Although we`re already secured a place in the knockout stages, it would be nice to win and top the group would it not?