Sunday, April 25, 2010

Premier League Preview: Chelsea vs. Stoke City


Chelsea could be off the top spot in the Premier League by the time their game against Stoke City kicks off, a fact that should sharpen the mind against an opponent that has caused them problems in the past.

Carlo Ancelotti might have said that he will not watch Manchester United's match with Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday — preferring instead to go to the cinema to watch Clash of the Titans — but surely he will tear himself away from the petty disputes of the Greek gods long enough to see whether Sir Alex Ferguson's side take their chance to go two points clear and create some real drama in a title race that looks destined to go right to the death.

Ancelotti's side have already faced Stoke twice this season, and both times they have won. But neither have been easy games — the league fixture at the Britannia Stadium needed a last minute Florent Malouda strike to turn a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 win, while the FA Cup quarter-final at Stamford Bridge last month saw Chelsea run out 2-0 winners in an efficient if not exhilarating performance.

What is more, the Blues go into the game off the back of a disappointing defeat to rivals Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane. With John Terry suspended for Sunday's clash, after a sending off in that defeat, and Didier Drogba clearly struggling with a hernia injury that is only getting more problematic, Ancelotti has his fair share of selection headaches ahead of the game.

With the likely knowledge that only three points will do, the pressure will certainly be on Chelsea to get a result.

Stoke, on the other hand, are one of the few sides lucky enough to have few worries as the season comes to a close. Comfortably clear of the relegation zone, the Potters also have no hope of sneaking European qualification. But Tony Pulis is not a manager to rest on his laurels, and has already implored his side to surpass last season's 45-point tally (they currently have 43). With that in mind, he will surely set his side to go out there to at least grab a point and derail the Blues' title challenge.

FORM GUIDE

Chelsea

Apr 17: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Chelsea (Premier League)
Apr 13: Chelsea 1-0 Bolton Wanderers (Premier League)
Apr 10: Aston Villa 0-3 Chelsea (FA Cup)
Apr 3: Manchester United 1-2 Chelsea (Premier League)
Mar 27: Chelsea 7-1 Aston Villa (Premier League)

Stoke City

Apr 17: Stoke City 1-2 Bolton Wanderers (Premier League)
Apr 11: Wolverhampton Wanderers 0-0 Stoke City (Premier League)
Apr 3: Stoke City 2-0 Hull City (Premier League)
Mar 27: West Ham United 0-1 Stoke City (Premier League)
Mar 20: Stoke City 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League)

TEAM NEWS

Chelsea

Carlo Ancelotti revealed on Friday that Ashley Cole is fit to start, as is Branislav Ivanovic — who will likely slot in the centre of defence for the suspended John Terry. Ricardo Carvalho is still injured however, as is Michael Essien.

John Obi Mikel is considered a doubt for the game after coming off injured against Spurs, and will probably miss out giving Michael Ballack or Juliano Belletti a chance to step in.

Didier Drogba has been struggling this week with a hernia injury that may require surgery, and Ancelotti will make a late decision on whether or not the Ivorian will start.

Last starting XI (vs. Tottenham): Cech; Ferreira, Alex, Terry, Zhirkov; Mikel, Deco, Lampard, Cole, Malouda; Drogba.

Stoke City

Defender Ryan Shawcross is back in the squad for the first time since picking up an ankle injury in February. Other than that striker Mamady Sidibe is the only major injury doubt for Pulis, the former Gillingham man is struggling with a groin problem.

Last starting XI (vs. Bolton): Sorensen; Higginbotham, Huth, Faye, Collins; Whelan, Lawrence, Whitehead, Tuncay, Delap; Kitson.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Chelsea

Carlo Ancelotti's priority will be in ensuring his attackers break down what is a stubborn and resilient Stoke backline, and in that respect Florent Malouda will be crucial. The French international has been in scintillating form in recent months, proving the difference for his side in a number of games.

With Didier Drogba struggling with a hernia and Nicolas Anelka curiously inconsistent of late — not to mention with Ashley Cole potentially back to support him — Malouda will be tasked with creating Chelsea's best opportunities down the left flank.

Stoke City

Coming up against his former club, Robert Huth will be out to catch the eye once again. The German has become a key asset to Tony Pulis, giving his defence some stability and enviable quality for a mid-table side.

Huth, who also spent time at Middlesbrough, finally seems to be delivering on his vast potential and will be vital as the visitors aim to keep a clean sheet. German manager Joachim Low will be in attendance at Stamford Bridge, giving Huth an extra incentive to perform as he hopes to advance his outside chances of a World Cup summons.

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