Stoke Preview

[James 5,205]

By ChelseaBoi

After a week of International Football, it is no doubt that Leaguefootball will be welcomed with open-arms. On paper, what is due to bean easy clash, Chelsea will be expected to come out with three points,and with it, equaling the club record of 10 successive league wins,originally set between November 2005 and January 2006. BritannicaStadium has not been the easiest venue to visit recently, with Stokelosing only twice since Chelsea last visited them last season.

It has indeed been an interesting fortnight for Chelsea Football Club,with the Gael Kakuta Scandal still looming in the air, the club will bedetermined to keep their league form on track. After 20 playersreturned from international duty, some qualifying for the world-cup,and some still waiting to know of their fate, it will be a hefty taskfor Carlo Ancelotti to make sure the momentum of Chelsea's early-seasonform continues. Chelsea are easy-favorites, being top of the table,second highest scorers, and having conceded only two so far, and wouldbe expected to come out with a win. But, Stoke City have indeed been asome-what surprise package so far, lying in fifth-position in theleague table, Tony Pulis' side have a great record at home, and a gooddefense to go with it. It took a last-gasp Frank Lampard goal, lastseason, for the Blues to win 2-1 against Stoke. Chelsea will have to bewary of Stoke Keeper Thomas Sorenson, who currently holds the top placein the clean-sheet charts, with three so far.

Despite all this, of-course, Chelsea should still be able to see offthis threat, with Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka, who combined verywell in the 3-0 win against Burnley, back at their best, Carlettoshould have no problem maintaining his 100% record with the club. Apartfrom this game, Liverpool will be hosting Burnley, Man City will hostArsenal and Manchester United will travel to White Hart Lane to playTottenham Hotspurs. It is very-much expected to be a good return to thereal football.