Stoke City – Chelsea: 18th March 2017

Premier League 29th round. Chelsea (1st, goal difference 57-20) can take a step towards the title with a win away at Stoke (9th, goal difference 32-40). The guests are in goal and a draw would be a great result for Mark Hughes’s band.

Let’s look a bit at the direct results. Chelsea has 3 wins in the last six duels and Stoke won two matches, both at home (one, indeed, on penalties in the Cup). Chelsea usually required in a goal or two difference, and the tour was 4-2 on the “Stamford Bridge” match in which Diego Costa and Hazard shone stronger. Londoners are superior in all departments of Defense and will be a solid asset for Chelsea.

City was plagued with Stoke’s defense

Look and shape of the moment. Stoke comes after an excellent 0-0 at Manchester City match that “potters” were admirable and were not dominated authoritarian. This followed a 2-0 home draw to Middlesbrough, Stoke so it’s a positive moment. Moreover, the team is in goal and will probably finish the season in the Top 10. Chelsea, in contrast, comes after a perfect 1-0 with Man. United, Cup, fourth consecutive victory to his credit.

Good odds for a match with few goals

Because we see two teams to work without major cracks likely match will be quite bitter. City was tortured to undo defense of Shawcross and likely that Chelsea will have similar problems. But not lack patience “Italians” of Conte, who had 18 wins in their last 21 league matches. We will likely see a duel cautious, they will work hard for goals, especially as Stoke use more long balls.

Stoke, unbeaten at home in the last 8 matches

They scored more than two goals in 8 of the last 9 games home of Stoke, who earned just two wins in their last 21 direct matches with Chelsea. Stoke has not lost at home for 8 matches of the championship, is a redoubtable team in front of their fans. Perhaps Chelsea has first chance to win, but the share is small, so rather bet on few goals and a 0-0 at halftime, I stand idly entire match.