Preview
Chelsea make another trip to Stoke in less than 2 weeks and will hope to improve on our defeat to The Potters in the Capital One Cup by bringing back 3 points.
During the week Chelsea improved on recent results by beating Dynamo Kyiv. Willian got the winner with a stunning free kick. Despite the win our performance wasn’t too much better than in recent weeks. However a win will give the team needed confidence, hopefully to get a good result tomorrow.
Mourinho will travel with the side to Stoke but due to his stadium ban will have to watch the match elsewhere. In his press conference today he said despite him not being there his assistants are still well prepared for the various situations Chelsea could come into tomorrow.
In our last visit to The Britannia, we arguably put in our best performance of the season and could have easily progressed to the next round of the cup if it wasn’t for a man of the match performance from Jack Butland. If Chelsea can replicate that performance we have a good chance of picking up a result.
Match details
Saturday, 7th November, kick off at 5:30pm (UK Time), at The Britannia Stadium on Sky Sports 1.
Recent form and previous meetings
Stoke are currently in good form right now having won 3 of their last 5 (Aston Villa, Swansea and Chelsea). They drew 1 (Newcastle) and lost 1 (Watford). However Stoke have played better away from home this season and have only won 1 of their 5 home games this season in the Premier League. In that time every away side has scored.
In Chelsea’s last 5 games in all competitions we have unfortunately lost the majority, 3 (West Ham, Stoke and Liverpool). We have drawn 1 (Dynamo Kyiv) and won 1 (Dynamo Kyiv).
Chelsea however have an excellent record vs Stoke in recent games. Chelsea have won 7 games out of our last 10 meetings, there has only been 1 draw and just the 2 wins for Stoke.
In our last 10 meetings in all competitions playing away to Stoke, we have won 5, there has been 3 draws and 2 wins for Stoke.
Team news
Radamel Falcao and Thibaut Courtois are two definite absentees for tomorrow’s game with the pair both having respective injuries. Mourinho also confirmed today that Bransilav Ivanovic is back fit to play and is in the squad for tomorrow. Pedro also recently returned from injury and came on as a late sub vs Dynamo Kyiv on Wednesday.
Mark Hughes confirmed today that Shay Given and Marc Muniesa are the only two to miss the game for Stoke through injury.
There are no suspensions for either side.
Marco Van Ginkel will miss the game due to being on loan from Chelsea.
My prediction
I didn’t think Chelsea looked too much better in the Champions League midweek and we were saved by a moment of brilliance from Willian. Confidence will be higher so I expect us to put up a good fight tomorrow but I also don’t think Mourinho’s absence will help us. Stoke have been poor at home this season compared to their away form but I think they will unfortunately find it tomorrow.
My prediction: Stoke 2-1 Chelsea.