Chelsea vs Stoke City
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Kick off: 4PM
Chelsea will continue to be without David Luiz when they host a Stoke side with injury problems of their own this afternoon.
Luiz is expected to return from a knee injury in next week’s FA Cup clash against Norwich, but as a gruelling schedule continues, Blues boss Antonio Conte has hinted at unenforced changes to afford some players rest.
“We have a game that is very difficult against Stoke City,” he said. “We must go game by game and it’s normal when you play every few days to make rotations and give some rest to those who have been playing every game.
“At the same time, all my players deserve credit. I trust in all of my players and it doesn’t matter if there are changes to the starting 11.”
Chelsea are on an impressive run of form having lost just once in 12 Premier League games and, while the champions sit just one point behind second-placed Manchester United, Conte maintains a top-four finish would equal success.
“In this league, to finish in the top four will always be a successful season. This is the only league to have six top teams to fight every season for the title,” he added.
“When your competitor is doing so well, like Man City, it’s difficult to fight for the title until the end, but we must give everything, try to get three points in every game and improve our work.”
Chelsea has won 25 points from a possible 27 in their nine Premier League home games against Stoke City – winning eight games, drawing one and losing none.
On the other hand, Stoke City has lost 14 Premier League games against Chelsea; more than they have against any other opponent in the competition.
Stoke City’s final Premier League game of 2016 was also at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea; a game that they lost 2-4.
Chelsea possible XI: Courtois, Azpilicueta, Christensen, Cahill, Zappacosta, Bakayoko, Kante, Fabregas, Alonso, Hazard, Morata.
Stoke possible XI: Butland, Edwards, Cameron, Wimmer, Pieters, Allen, Fletcher, Shaqiri, Sobhi, Choupo-Moting, Crouch.