Premier League preview: Chelsea v Stoke

20 September 2012 13:14

They may top the Premier League standings, but Chelsea will be desperate to return to winning ways when they host Stoke City on Saturday.

After draws in their past two starts against Juventus and Queens Park Rangers, a matchup with Stoke offers the perfect opportunity for the Blues to flex their muscle.

Recent history is well and truly on their side.

Stoke have only scored three goals in eight Premier League meetings with Chelsea and have failed to score in each of their past four visits to Stamford Bridge in all competitions.

In their last 10 games against Stoke, Chelsea have won eight and drawn twice.

High on Robert Di Matteo's wish list will be an improved showing from striker Fernando Torres.

With Didier Drogba gone, much of the team's potency rests on the shoulders of Torres who struggled last weekend against QPR, blundering chances to score both in each half.

The Blues will be sweating on the fitness of Brazilian midfielder Oscar who marked his first Chelsea start with a first half brace in the Champions League before limping off after half-time with an ankle injury.

For Stoke, they travel to Stamford Bridge still unbeaten, but yet to win, after drawing their first four league games for the first time in their history.

Tony Pulis' side have some important momentum after claiming a point off reigning champions Manchester City last weekend but know it won't get any easier against Chelsea.

For them to win, Peter Crouch and Jonathan Walters must have a solid game up front, and the Stoke defenders must keep Torres quiet.

Pulis admits Stoke must improve vastly on their effort at the Britannia Stadium against City where he said they lacked intensity and were lucky to snare a point.

"I think we will get better. It will be nice to have them next week and work with them," Pulis told reporters.

"We still need to retain our commitment and organisation but we have to retain the ball better when we do get it. There were times when we were giving it away too cheaply."