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As it happenedended

Chelsea vs Stoke live: What time does it start, what TV channel is it on and where can I watch it?

Everything you need to know about Chelsea vs Stoke

Jack Portley,George Cooper
Friday 30 December 2016 20:49 GMT
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Diego Costa returns from suspension for Chelsea against Stoke
Diego Costa returns from suspension for Chelsea against Stoke (Getty)

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Antonio Conte’s Chelsea juggernaut seems to be unstoppable at the moment.

On New Year’s Eve, they can claim their 13th straight Premier League win and equal Arsenal’s record for the most consecutive victories in a single season.

Standing in their way is Stoke City, who initially impressed at Anfield on Tuesday night before being blown away and going down 4-1.

With one or perhaps both of Liverpool and Manchester City assured of dropping points later, Chelsea could potentially end the year eight points clear at the summit.

Follow live updates on our blog below...

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It’s a big game for…

Jon Walters: The Stoke forward hasn’t scored since his goal in the Potters’ 2-0 victory over Burnley at the beginning of the month. With Marko Arnautovic out through suspension too, Walters may be the visitors’ main hope of a goal at Stamford Bridge.

Weird stat…

1: In the last three meetings between the two sides, neither team has scored more than one goal.

Remember when…

In an affair between the two sides in April 2015, Charlie Adam scored this audacious effort from his own half but saw his side fall to a 2-1 defeat.

Player to watch…

Eden Hazard: After a pretty dismal campaign last season, the Belgian looks invigorated under new boss Antonio Conte. Stoke will do well to avoid a drubbing from what seems like an unstoppable Chelsea side at the moment.

Eden Hazard celebrates scoring for Chelsea against Bournemouth
Eden Hazard celebrates scoring for Chelsea against Bournemouth (Getty)

Past three meetings…

Chelsea 1 (Traore) Stoke 1 (Diouf), Premier League, March 2016

Stoke 1 (Arnautovic) Chelsea 0, Premier League, November 2015

Stoke 1 (Walters) Chelsea 1 (Remy) (Stoke win on penalties) EFL Cup, October 2015

Form guide…

Chelsea: WWWWWW

Stoke: LWWLDD

Charlie Adam scored against Chelsea from his own half (Getty)
Charlie Adam scored against Chelsea from his own half (Getty) (Getty Images)

Vital information…

Kick-off time: 15:00, Saturday 31st December 2016

TV: Highlights on Match of the Day, BBC TWO – 10pm

Odds…

Chelsea to win: 2/7

Stoke to win: 12/1

Draw: 5/1

Hello and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of this afternoon's Premier League action. There's plenty to keep us occupied, with leaders Chelsea hosting Stoke City and Manchester United at home to Middlesbrough. Elsewhere, champions/relegation battlers Leicester City take on West Ham, Burnley host Sunderland, it's Southampton v West Brom and Swansea against Bournemouth.

Mark Critchley31 December 2016 14:08

We'll be bringing you the team news from all today's 3pm kick-offs shortly.

Mark Critchley31 December 2016 14:09

Chelsea v Stoke City

Diego Costa is back from suspension for the Premier League leaders, as is N'Golo Kante. Nemanja Matic is on the bench.

Mark Critchley31 December 2016 14:16

Jose Mourinho has made five changes to his Manchester United side from the one which beat Sunderland last time out.

Wayne Rooney misses the game through injury.

In come Chris Smalling and Eric Bailly at centre-back, while Marouanne Fellaini, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Anthony Martial all start at Old Trafford.

Mark Critchley31 December 2016 14:20

Man United v Middlesbrough

Mark Critchley31 December 2016 14:25

Confirmation that Pedro misses out for Chelsea today through suspension.

Mark Critchley31 December 2016 14:26

Leicester City vs West Ham

Mark Critchley31 December 2016 14:39

Burnley vs Sunderland

Mark Critchley31 December 2016 14:42

Southampton vs West Brom

Mark Critchley31 December 2016 14:43

Swansea vs Bournemouth

Mark Critchley31 December 2016 14:46

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