Antonio Conte was dismissive of Arsène Wenger’s suggestion that the title is already Chelsea’s to lose, but will face Stoke seeking a 13th successive league win and conscious that his team are favourites. “I’m pleased if people are changing their opinions (of us),” he said. “But that means you must pay even more attention.” Standards must not slip here. Stoke drew at Stamford Bridge and twice triumphed at home against the Londoners last term. They represent distinctly awkward opposition. Dominic Fifield
Kick-off New Year’s Eve 3pm
Venue Stamford Bridge
Last season Chelsea 1 Stoke City 1
Referee Robert Madley
This season G15, Y64, R1, 4.40 cards per game
Odds H 2-7 A 12-1 D 5-1
Chelsea
Subs from Begovic, Eduardo, Ivanovic, Zouma, Aina, Mikel, Fàbregas, Solanke, Van Ginkel, Loftus-Cheek, Chalobah, Batshuayi
Doubtful Hazard (knee)
Injured Terry (gluteal strain, Jan)
Suspended Pedro (one match)
Form WWWWWW
Discipline Y39 R0
Leading scorer Costa 13
Stoke City
Subs from Given, Haugaard, Adam, Sobhi, Afellay, Crouch, Bony, Verlinden, Ngoy, Teixeira, Krkic, Bardsley
Doubtful Bardsley (knee)
Injured Muniesa (knee, 7 Jan), Cameron (knee, 14 Jan), Ireland (leg, Feb), Butland (ankle, Feb)
Suspended Arnautovic (last of three)
Form WWLDDL
Discipline Y33 R1
Leading scorer Allen 5
0 comments:
Post a Comment