Stoke vs Chelsea live streaming: Watch December 7, 2013 match

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Stoke City will be looking for home comfort in order to break down a Chelsea side that has finally started scoring goals when in matters the most.

Preview: Mark Hughes to face another litmus test for Potters’ new approach

Things were never going to be the same at Britannia Stadium when Mark Hughes was officially named as the replacement of long-serving manager Tony Pulis in the summer.

Pulis was the man behind Stoke’s consistent presence in the Premier League but the approach towards the game had seemingly gotten to everyone’s nerve. Now, the club has a manager who is a pure antithesis of the former manager.

In short, under the guidance of the former Manchester United star, Stoke City are going through changes and this transition will see the club suffer a few setbacks every now and then. The Potters have not really started the season that bad considering the fact that there has been quite a shakeup owing to the transition at every level. However, the Potters will be keeping one eye over the shoulder as they are just four points clear of the relegation zone and know that they have to distance themselves from this position as much as they can.

Hughes men were able to earn a point from their home game against Cardiff City on Wednesday night but the Welshman will be hoping that his charges show more attacking impetus against Jose Mourinho’s men. Heading into the busy and frantic Christmas period, a good performance will go a long way in defining the team’s fate.

In their past eight home games, Stoke have lost just once which means that Britannia is still the fortress it was during the Pulis era. However, the game against Chelsea will serve as a litmus test for the club’s aspirations.

The Blues might not be in rampant form but under the guidance of the Special One, they have managed to stay in touching distance with league leaders Arsenal.

Mourinho’s men battled through a 4-3 thriller at the Stadium of Light against Sunderland in midweek and the Portuguese tactician would be hoping to see his team not take things down the wire against a team that has blown hot and cold since the beginning of the season.

A lot of good things have been said about Eden Hazard following the Belgium international’s huge contribution to Wednesday’s win. And, the former Lille OSC winger would once again be the man in focus following what should be considered as his best performance to date for the Londoners.

The Potters have not beaten Chelsea at home since the 1974/75 campaign and have not scored in four of their last six home games in the Premier League. Chelsea on the other hand, have scored three or more goals in their last three wins away from home which does not bode well for Hughes’ side.

Last time the two sides met Jonathan Walters missed a penalty and scored two own goals as the Blues recorded a 4-0 victory, the Republic of Ireland international is however a doubt for Saturday’s encounter as he nurses a thigh injury, German international Robert Huth on the other hand is certain to miss the clash against Chelsea.

Chelsea on the other hand have no fresh injury concerns but Samuel Eto'o (hamstring), David Luiz (knee) and Oscar (ankle) all of who missed the mid week win over Sunderland are posed to remain on the sidelines.