Topik: Stoke, Chelsea
Toni Pulis’ Stoke side will be out to frustrate a Chelsea side reeling from a home defeat to Swansea in the Capital One Cup.

Team News

Rory Delap and Marc Wilson are out of this one for Stoke City. Oriel Romeu is out for Chelsea. John Terry is easing his way back to action; Saturday might come too soon for him though. John Obi Mikel is doubtful for the Champions League winners.

Analysis

Chelsea under Rafael Benitez is yet to really find a proper playing style. At the beginning, they seemed to be rather defensive. Then, they seemed to be a side which loved to attack. At this point, they seem rather lost. Back to back losses at Stamford Bridge to QPR and Swansea, despite an away win against Southampton sandwiched between the two games, puts more question marks over a Chelsea side which is just not gelling together on a regular basis.

Stoke on the other hand has a definitive playing style. They set out to defend, counter-attack and use set pieces to the best of their abilities. Stoke will not provide Chelsea with an easy afternoon. However, Chelsea has exploded with goals at times. Benitez needs to find the right line-up for this tricky game.

Previous Results

Crystal Palace 0-0 Stoke
Manchester City 3-0 Stoke
Stoke 3-3 Southampton
Stoke 3-1 Liverpool
Tottenham 0-0 Stoke

Chelsea 0-2 Swansea
Southampton 1-5 Chelsea
Chelsea 0-1 QPR
Everton 1-2 Chelsea
Norwich 0-1 Chelsea

Previous Matches

Chelsea 1-0 Stoke
Chelsea 1-0 Stoke
Stoke 0-0 Chelsea
Stoke 1-1 Chelsea
Chelsea 2-0 Stoke

Prediction

Stoke 0-1 Chelsea