Chelsea v Stoke City
Football : English Premier League
Saturday 28 August 2010 - Kickoff 3pm

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Chelsea

Chelsea have begun where they left off last season as they have crushed West Bromich Albion and Wigan Atletic both 6-0 as the side continue to achieve their minimum target of winning the Double again. The likes of Frank Lampard, Florent Malouda, Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka have put their poor World Cup behind them and got on with a common cause to destructive effect.

The Blues were incredible at home last season, compiling a 17-1-1 record, scoring 68 goals and conceding just 14. Carlo Ancelotti seems to allow his team to play with freedom and there is no tugging on the reins if his team go 2-0 up- he expects his side to push on and score more goals. Chelsea scored 3 or more goals here 11 times last season and have scored 29 goals in their last 6 Premier League games following on from last season.

Branislav Ivanovic is a doubt with a back injury but Ramires has been included in the squad for the first time as he pushes for a starting berth.

Possible Chelsea Line Up: Cech, Ferreira, Cole, Terry, Alex, Mikel, Essien, Lampard, Malouda, Anelka and Drogba (4-3-3)

Stoke City

I think most Stoke City fans are wondering how they are sitting with 0 points from their 2 opening games of the season this year. The Potters were good enough to earn a point last weekend against Tottenham Hotspur at home, but were denied when a John Walters 'goal' was adjudged to have not crossed the line. They have progressed further in the Carling Cup with a win over Shrewsbury, but that game presented a new problem with Asmir Begovic allegedly refusing to play.

Both of the losses for Stoke City have been by 2 goals to 1 this season and now they have to come to the ground where they were beaten 7-0 towards the back end of last season. They had a reasonable 4-8-7 record away from the Brittania last season, scoring just 10 goals but conceding 27. 15 of those goals conceded came in the 4 away games at the 'big 4'.

Kenwyn Jones has a chance of being passed fit but it is unclear if Tony Pulis will risk him. Mamady Sidibe is a long term absentee now while Liam Lawrence is also doubtful.

Possible Stoke City Line Up: Sorenson, Huth, Collins, Faye, Shawcross, Whitehead, Whelen, Etherington, Delap, Pugh and Fuller (4-5-1)

Head to Head

Chelsea have won all 5 meetings with Stoke City since they came up to the Premier League, with 1 of those wins coming in the FA Cup last season.

Chelsea won both games last season here at Stamford Bridge, including the 7-0 win.

Prediction

Chelsea have looked strong in their opening 2 games of the season, but it must be said they have had a huge helping hand from some truly awful defending from 2 sides who are both going to be in a relegation battle this season. The media seems to have put away their 'Chelsea are Old' headlines and replaced them with this image of an unstoppable machine- I have to say while I have been impressed with the nature of their wins, there is still a long season to take place.

Stoke City were truly humbled here last season after giving a much more solid display in the FA Cup tie. They have been unfortunate so far in their results this season and should have had more points. We can expect Tony Pulis to set his team out in a defensive manner, and I am sure these professional players will want to show they are far better than the embarrassing 7-0 scoreline suggested.

The handicap has been set at 2.5 goals for this game as many expect Chelsea to issue another hammering. I feel a little concerned to take such a high difference as we could see Stoke City showing their pride and really digging in and making this tough for Chelsea.

On the other hand, I cannot ignore the Chelsea results so far this season. Therefore I have picked Chelsea to win to nil which can be found at 1.72 at Paddy Power. Stoke City have lost 8 of 9 matches played away against the traditional 'big 4'of Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool- of those 8 defeats, Stoke have failed to score in 6 of those games while also failing to score in the 1 match they did not lose.

I'll take my chances on that happening again here.

The Pick :

Chelsea 3-0 Stoke City

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

I'll take Chelsea to win to nil at 1.72 (Paddy Power)