This game sees A stuttering Chelsea side looking to put their recent troubles behind them and continue their march to premierleague glory against as stubborn Stoke team who now realistically have nothing to play for.
Chelsea looked to be a good length or two ahead until they inexplicably lost to a scintillating Tottenham side last Week and Manchester United won their game to bring them back to just one point behind the leaders. With Chelsea having a couple of tricky games coming up, they will view this match as a must win situation, and I can see that causing them some problems with nerves when they are so close to the summit. Considering that we are so late in the season the Chelsea squad looks strong, but there is one very notable absence. After two bookable offences in his match against Tottenham, John Terry will miss out due to suspension. Given his current form though, this could actually be considered a good thing for Chelsea fans. With his recent error strewn displays, it may be better for him to miss out in such a big match.
Stoke Manager Tony Pulis can once again look himself in the mirror and tell himself that it is a job well done for the season in the Premierleague. Having guided his cheaply assembled team to mid table obscurity again this term, we shouldn t be surprised if people start mentioning the possibility of Europe next term. This season, however, any such notions are out of the question, but most fans will be pleased that safety is tied up for another year. Stoke have just a few missing through injury, notably Ryan Shawcross, and Sidibe. Thesae two have been out for osme time though, and Pulis seems to have a good operating team at his disposal at the moment.
This is a must win game for Chelsea, and it is almost meaningless to Stoke. There can only be one winner.
Verdict: Chelsea Home Win
Odds: 1/7
Bookmaker:
