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Chelsea to continue on their winning way? It is hard to see any other outcome, but Stoke City at home will lift to try and snatch a point. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7am (AEDT).
This time last year Stoke defeated Chelsea at home 3-2 but Jose Mourinho will be in no mood to extend any Christmas cheer this season.
While Stoke recently beat Arsenal, they have lost three of their last five games.
On the other hand Chelsea has recovered from their loss to Newcastle by winning in the Champions League and then beating Hull.
Chelsea had to play midweek in the League Cup, where they have progressed to the semi-finals, and Stoke will be hoping this may take some gloss off their fitness.
Stoke will rely on Peter Crouch up forward. He has played the full 90 minutes in the last two games and scored in both, giving him four goals for the year. Jon Walters is their most important player and he has also slotted in four goals this year, but will have his work cut out against the star-studded Chelsea midfield.
Branislav Ivanović is an attacking option, having a great season at full back, and up front the ever dangerous Diego Costa could have a day out at the expense of a brittle Stoke defence.
Chelsea is having a great season. Top of the league, and still alive in the League Cup and Champions League. Everything is going to script for Mourinho. These games against lowly opposition are ones that they don’t drop.
Mourinho is well aware that the season is not even halfway through, and there are bound to be challenges, most likely at this stage from Manchester City. So it is important to them to keep space between themselves and the other teams at the top of the table, moving into the New Year.
Mark Hughes, Stoke’s manager, was a former Chelsea player. He has not lost in four home games as manager against Chelsea.
Prediction
Stoke City 0 – Chelsea 2.
Will Chelsea keep the foot down at the top of the table or can Mark Hughes’ Stoke spoil their Christmas?
Join The Roar at 7am for score updates and debate in our live blog.
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