Chelsea
Stoke City vs Chelsea: Premier League preview, Prediction, line-ups & betting tips
Premier League Champions Chelsea are expected to secure the maximum three points when they lock horns with a Stoke City side who are without a victory in any of their last four fixtures.
Stoke City do have a decent home record this campaign, but Chelsea will be buoyed by the return of Belgium international Eden Hazard, who is ready for his first Premier League start of the season.
The home team Stoke City are 19/4 to come out victorious in this League fixture, although bookies strongly favour the Blues, who are rated at 3/5 for the win.
The most attractive bet for this one is a half-time draw, and a Chelsea win at 10/3.
Th game at the Bet365 Stadium on Saturday will see the West London club looking to close the gap on both Man United and Man City following last weekend’s goalless draw with Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.
Both teams fielded rotated line-ups in the midweek Carabao Cup, with Chelsea hosting Championship club Nottingham Forest, and Stoke City knocked out of the competition by Bristol.
Stoke City’s 2-0 loss was their second consecutive defeats, following last weekend’s loss at Newcastle.
Stoke’s Ryan Shawcross could return for the Saturday home clash. The club captain has missed the previous two League matches with a back injury.
Kurt Happy Zouma is ineligible to face his parent club. The loanee has so far played every minute of the Premier League season for the Potters.
Stephen Ireland and Afellay are both still on the sidelines.
Chelsea defender David Luiz will miss the game through suspension after being red carded late on against rivals Arsenal.
Attacker Eden Hazard should make his first start of the League season.
Spain international Pedro is doubtful for Saturday clash. He will be examined after picking up a knock on his ankle last weekend.
England international midfielder Danny Drinkwater is ruled out and is yet to play his first match for Chelsea. Antonio Conte hopes to have the former Leicester City midfielder back after the next international break.
