Chelsea
will continue to be without David Luiz when they host a Stoke side with
injury problems of their own on Saturday.
Luiz is expected to return from a knee injury in next week's FA Cup clash
against Norwich but, as a gruelling schedule continues, Blues boss Antonio
Conte has hinted at unenforced changes to afford some players rest.
"We have a game that is very difficult against Stoke City," he said. "We
must go game by game and it's normal when you play every few days to make
rotations and give some rest to those who have been playing every game.
"At the same time, all my players deserve credit. I trust in all of my
players and it doesn't matter if there are changes to the starting 11."
Chelsea are on an impressive run of form having lost just once in 12 Premier
League games and, while the champions sit just one point behind
second-placed Manchester United, Conte maintains a top-four finish would
equal success.
"In this league, to finish in the top four will always be a successful
season. This is the only league to have six top teams to fight every season
for the title," he added.
"When your competitor is doing so well, like Man City, it's difficult to
fight for the title until the end, but we must give everything, try to get
three points in every game and improve our work."
Team news
While Conte has revealed Luiz is "close" to a full recovery, neither he nor
Charly Musonda (groin) are expected to feature until next weekend.
Stoke are in the midst of a defensive crisis, with Mark Hughes set to be
missing three centre-backs.
The Premier League's most porous defence - one that has leaked 41 goals in
20 games - will likely be without Ryan Shawcross, Bruno Martins Indi and
Kurt Zouma at Stamford Bridge.
Shawcross (calf) was forced off in Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Huddersfield and
is out for at least two weeks, while Martins Indi (groin) is sidelined for a
similar period.
Zouma is ineligible against his parent club, while Glen Johnson (knee) is
also unavailable, but full-back Erik Pieters could feature.
Opta stats
Chelsea have won 25 points from a possible 27 in their nine Premier League
home games against Stoke City - winning eight games, drawing one and losing
none
Stoke City have lost 14 Premier League games against Chelsea; more than they
have against any other opponent in the competition (W2 D3 L14)
Stoke City's final Premier League game of 2016 was also at Stamford Bridge
against Chelsea; a game that they lost 2-4
Chelsea haven't lost their final Premier League game in a calendar year
since 2011 (1-3 at home to Aston Villa)
Willian has scored four Premier League goals against Stoke City; more than
he has against any other opponent in the competition
Alvaro Morata scored three goals from just three shots on target in
Chelsea's 4-0 league win over Stoke earlier this season
Merson's prediction
I can't see anything but a Chelsea win, and I think it'll be quite
comfortable. Chelsea at home are strong, especially against the lesser
teams.
I do think Stoke will be safe, but against the big teams, like Chelsea away,
I don't see them getting too much. I think some teams now have to start
picking their games. We're at that stage of the season where over Christmas
you need to weigh it up. You can't play your best team in all three games.
PAUL PREDICTS: 3-0 (11/2 with Sky Bet)
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