For the first time since the start of the season, Chelsea are finally back in the top half of the Premier League table. Of course, this is not where Blues fans would have expected to find the reigning champions at this point in time, but given their difficult start to the season which saw them hovering uncomfortably close to the drop zone, it is nonetheless a sign of improvement. However, this uptick in form could come under threat as they welcome a solidly-performing Stoke City to Stamford Bridge later today.
Chelsea
Under Guus Hiddink, Chelsea are still unbeaten in the Premier League, and with the exception of their 2-1 reversal against PSG in the Champions League round of 16 first leg, the Blues are undefeated in all games across all competitions. So far, in the league, this means that they have picked up 11 games sans dropping three points, including two vital back-to-back results on the road.
Should they win today, it not only will be the first time all season they have on four on the trot but will also set a milestone for the Dutch tactician. No incoming manager has ever gone 12 games without losing at the start of a single term with a Premier League club. Currently in tenth place - the first time they have moved into the top half of the table since the commencement of the campaign - Chelsea are eight points behind the top four spots, but it is highly unlikely that they will be able to make a push for a Champions League spot unless if something shocking happens for Manchester City or Manchester United.
To that end, they are still in the FA Cup and have a good chance of overturning their 2-1 deficit against Les Parisiens thanks to a vital away goal, so there is still the possibility of at least one trophy available to the struggling London giants. At Stamford Bridge, although they are unbeaten in six matches, they still have drawn four of those and clean sheets are still hard to come by.
Nonetheless, the improved form of the team, including key striker Diego Costa - who has been directly involved in an impressive 12 goals in his past 10 games across all competitions (eight goals and four assists) - will have certainly lifted supporters' spirits and they will hope the team will be able to maintain their solid form against a potentially tricky Stoke City side.
For this match, there are still fitness concerns regarding John Terry and Pedro, both of whom are still struggling with hamstring injuries. Eden Hazard, who again suffered a knock may also miss out, especially with one eye on the big game against PSG coming up soon, and Brazilian youngster Kenedy, who impressed with an early goal, suffered a groin injury in the win over Norwich and will have to pass a late fitness test to determine his availability.
Stoke City
Meanwhile, Mark Hughes's side have also done quite well as of late and sit in an impressive seventh place with 42 points, three ahead of upcoming opponents Chelsea. Like the Blues, Stoke have also put together an excellent three-match winning run and as a result, the visitors are just out of touching distance of a European football spot.
However, these nine points have come against the lower-placed sides, but nonetheless, a win is a win, and the results have helped the Potters vastly improve their fortunes after suffering a slump that saw them lose three consecutive games. Against Chelsea - where Hughes spent time as a player - the Potters have a poor record, especially in London.
Should they manage to win today, it will mark the first time since 2011 that Stoke City have strung together four wins on the spin and will be the first time since April 27, 1974 - when they won 1-0 - that they have emerged as victors at Stamford Bridge.
In terms of personnel, Ryan Shawcross, Marc Wilson, and Glen Johnson will definitely miss out, as will Phil Bardsley, and there are doubts about the fitness and availability of both Bojan Krkic and Geoff Cameron.
Which channel is broadcasting Chelsea vs Stoke City on TV or Online?
Both teams will be eager to make it a fourth consecutive win as they hope to continue their respective mini-renaissances, making for a interesting atmosphere at Stamford Bridge. However, if you are too far away to make it in person, no worries. LiveSoccerTV.com has compiled options to catch the match via your TV, computer, phone, or tablet.
Here are some selections for fans residing in the following countries:
- In the USA at 10.00 EST on: Directv, NBC Sports Live Extra, NBC Deportes En Vivo Extra,
- In Canada at 10.00 ET on: Sportsnet Ontario, Sportsnet Pacific, Sportsnet World Now, Sportsnet East, Sportsnet West
Live elsewhere? Check out our special Chelsea vs Stoke City broadcast page for viewing times and options for your current location.
*Note: Live broadcast data is subject to change*
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
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