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Kick off: 27.10.2015 @20:45
Venue: Britannia Stadium
Head to head record
Chelsea vs Stoke City 2-1 (2014/15 Premier League)
Stoke City vs Chelsea 0-2 (2014/15 Premier League)
Chelsea vs Stoke City 1-0 (2013/14 Premier League)
Chelsea vs Stoke City 1-0 (2013/14 FA Cup)
Stoke City vs Chelsea 3-2 (2013/14 Premier League)
Stoke City vs Chelsea prediction
Mourinho’s men are visiting Britannia Stadium after yet another disappointing Premier League result, and the Tuesday’s game brings a lot of excitement as Asmir Begovic returns to his former club for the Capital One clash.
Begovic’s emotional return
One of the key performers for Stoke City last season, Asmir Begovic was transferred to Chelsea this summer and will be given a warm welcome from the crowd at Britannia Stadium. Mark Hughes’ troops will not be as emotional though, since the game against wounded league champions is seen as the perfect opportunity to get back to winning ways after the Premier League defeat to Watford last time out. Stoke City were beaten 2-0 by the Quique Sanchez Flores’ team at home, and no doubt that eventual win in the upcoming clash against Chelsea will be a huge morale boost for the team. Stoke City progressed to the fourth round of the Capital One Cup after their triumphs over Luton Town and Fulham respectively. Hughes’ charges ended their five-match unbeaten run and they will be keen on getting back on track against the fallen giants, as the timing is perfect for such a feat. Hughes is hopeful his team will be inspired by such a high-profile opposition, most of all hopeful that his in-form forward Mame Diouf will continue his fine run. The 27-year-old Senegalese striker has scored seven goals across competitions this term, three in the Premier League, as many in the UEFA Europa League and one in the Capital One Cup so far.
The Stoke manager will also be delighted to welcome back Ryan Shawcross after the experienced defender recovered from his back surgery and could be given a run in this game. Geoff Cameron is absent having picked a knock against Watford.
Mourinho walking on thin ice
The Portuguese manager has had another torrid game as his team succumbed to the latest 2-1 defeat this weekend at the hands of West Ham. The match saw Nemanja Matic receive a second yellow card and Mourinho being sent to the stands, along with his assistant Silvinho Louro. The reigning champions dropped to the 15th place in the standings, and should Mourinho lose to Stoke in the upcoming match on Tuesday, his long-term future will be brought into question with the Liverpool game possibly being his last one at Chelsea. Jose Mourinho should not be underestimated though, as the Portuguese mastermind is more than capable of recovering his team for the game at Britannia Stadium. The pressure is mounting in Chelsea, and the players themselves are aware of the current form they simply fail to explain. With not many of the first-players in outstanding form this season, much of the focus has been put on Eden Hazard who is widely tipped to leave the Blues at the end of the season. A possible move to Manchester United, Real Madrid and Paris Saint Germain has been mooted.
Jose Mourinho will be without the suspended Nemanja Matic, while his compatriot Branislav Ivanovic is still suffering from a hamstring injury. Loic Remy has picked up a knock and he will be a doubt for the upcoming event.
Stoke City vs Chelsea betting tip
With both teams eager to make a win that will get them back on track, we should witness a highly entertaining affair on Tuesday. Stoke City will be hoping to prolong Chelsea’s dreadful streak, while the Blues are desperate to make amends for their torrid record this season. Cup games are always hard to predict, so go for the goals. I expect both teams to find the way to score in this game.
Tip: Both teams to score
Odds: 1.87 (20/23) @10bet
