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Chelsea seem to be hitting all new lows as they are currently lying 15th in the Premier league table, one below their Capital One Cup tie opponents Stoke City. They are separated only by a point but the major issue for the Blues has been their performance, not the results alone.
However, during the weekend gone by, both teams lost. The Potters went down to Watford at the Britannia where they will host Chelsea on Tuesday night, and perhaps more damagingly, Jose Mourinho’s side were beaten by this season’s giant killers West Ham.
This is a crucial week for the Londoners’ Portuguese boss, it’s been widely reported that should he fail to come up with the goods against Stoke, following which they face Liverpool and then Dynamo Kiev, Mourinho could be without a job, although, at this point it’s mere speculation. It won’t be easy though, Mark Hughes’ side will be looking to throw a spanner in the works when the Blues come visiting.
Kickoff and Telecast
Date & Time: Tuesday, 27 October 2015 – 19:45 (Wednesday – 1:15 AM IST)
Venue: Britannia Stadium
Telecast: There is no live telecast of this game in India
Team News
Stoke City have been without Ryan Shawcross since the beginning of this season, but he is likely to return to action against Chelsea after enduring recovery from back surgery. Mame Biriam Diouf could also feature after returning from compassionate leave. Sadly, though, Marc Muniesa and Bojan Krkic who just returned from an injury are not likely to feature.
Chelsea too have their absentees with Thibaut Courtois and Branislav Ivanovic missing for the long-term. Pedro and Loic Remy who haven’t been included in the squad for two prior games due to injury also could possibly miss out.
Having undergone a turbulent week seeing Nemanja Matic sent off against the Hammers, the big Serb will serve his suspension for the Blues. The outcome for Jose Mourinho and Silvino Louro who were also sent off is not clear, as they have been charged by the FA but the punishment hasn’t yet been meted out.
It’s unlikely that either side will see too many changes but the Blues will have one eye on Liverpool over the weekend and might tailor the line-up accordingly.
Probable Lineups
Stoke City predicted XI: Butland, Johnson, Cameron, Wollscheid, Pieters, Adam, Whelan, Shaqiri, Walters, Arnautovic, Diouf
Chelsea predicted XI: Amelia, Zouma, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta, Mikel, Ramires, Willian, Hazard, Kenedy, Costa
Form
Stoke City haven’t been at the top of their game, scarcely better than Chelsea in terms of results, but they have shown some signs of life. They were battered by Watford the past weekend and if they perform the same way against Chelsea even in current form they will be punished for it. Even their one win that came 4 games ago was on penalties in the previous round of the competition. The return of Diouf could see them sparked to life especially if Bojan can play through his minor injury.
Last 5 results: WDDLL
It’s difficult to tell who’s had the worse results but neither side are blowing crowds away with their performances. If Mourinho can put the right ingredients on the pitch it could be enough to go past Stoke City. However, the mounting pressure will not help as it’s turned into a must win game for the Chelsea boss if he is to slavage anything of this quickly deteriorating season.
Last 5 results: LLWDL
Key Stats
- Chelsea have won their last 5 meetings with Stoke City, the last time the Potters emerged victorious was in 2013 at the Britannia.
- Stoke City have lost 3 out of their last 5 meetings at the Britannia.
- Chelsea have loast 3 of their last 5 games on the road.
Prediction
It’s going to be a must win game for the visitors but it won’t be an easy task beating Stoke City at the Britannia, despite their poor recent record at home. The Potters will need to rally their troops to take advantage of Chelsea’s frailty at the moment. Neither side presents themselves as clear favourites but it’s likely that Chelsea will nick this one, being defending champions and all that.
Predicted score: Stoke City 1-2 Chelsea
Betting Odds (bet365)
Stoke City: 14/5
Draw: 13/5
Chelsea: 21/20
