European Champions Chelsea welcome Stoke City this afternoon for the Premier League’s most intriguing match this afternoon. Kick-off time is at 3pm and the encounter won’t be screened live on UK television.

Chelsea start the game at the top of the Premier League with three wins and one draw whilst Stoke start in 12th position having drawn all four of their games.  The Blues will be without Daniel Sturridge with a hamstring problem, which will no doubt result in Fernando Torres starting as a lone striker although with Wednesday night’s goal-scoring debuting sensation Oscar a possible option depending on his injured ankle.

Marko Marin is reportedly edging closer to making his own debut after being kept on the sidelines all season so far with a hamstring problem.

The visitors travel to London without suspended defender Andy Wilkinson. Also sidelined through injury is midfielder Jamie Ness (groin). With Wilkinson sidelined, Stoke manager Tony Pulis has either the option of bringing in Ryan Shotton or instead bringing in Matthew Upson at centre-back, releasing Robert Huth to right-back.

 

Kick Off: Saturday, September 22 – 3PM (Watch highlights on BBC 1 Match of the Day).

Where: Stamford Bridge.

Referee: Chris Foy.

 

Squads 

Chelsea (Possible, 4-4-1-1): Cech; Ivanovic, Luiz, Terry, Cole; Ramires, Mikel, Lampard, Oscar; Hazard; Torres.
Out: Sturridge (hamstring).

Stoke City (Possible, 4-5-1): Begovic; Huth, Upson, Shawcross, Wilson; Knightly, Whelan, Nzonzi, Adam, Walters; Crouch.
Out: Wilkinson (suspended), Sidibe (groin) Ness (groin).

 

Matt Predicts : Chelsea 3 – 0 Stoke City

 

Team news source – Teamtalk

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