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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

Just over 10 minutes to go until this afternoon's action, when Chelsea can extend their lead at the summit to nine points over second-placed Liverpool, who play Manchester City in the evening kick-off at Anfield. It could be a pivotal day in the title race.

Down at the bottom, it's also a big day for Sunderland, who know victory over Burnley at Turf Moor will take them out of the bottom three.

Mark Critchley31 December 2016 14:51

Kick-off

We're underway in the 3pm games

Mark Critchley31 December 2016 15:00

Leicester 0-0 West Ham

Almost an early breakthrough for the hosts as Slimani heads against the post.

Mark Critchley31 December 2016 15:09

Man Utd 0-0 Middlesbrough

The away side should be ahead at Old Trafford! Adama Traore leads a three-man Boro break but instead of passing he elects to shoot. Wide. Very wide.

Mark Critchley31 December 2016 15:11

Chelsea 0-0 Stoke City 

No goals at Stamford Bridge and not too much to warm the crowd. Eden Hazard has a 20-yard shot blocked for a corner as Chelsea settle to their task.

Mark Critchley31 December 2016 15:12

Manchester United 0-0 Middlesbrough

So close for United! Paul Pogba with a scissor-kick which grazes the outside of the post. Middlesbrough have played well in the early stages but United a whisker away from the first goal through their record signing.

Mark Critchley31 December 2016 15:15

Chelsea 0-0 Stoke City

Stoke scent a chance as Chelsea defender Azpilicueta is forced to cleared the ball from in front of goal.

At the other end, Costa brings down Fabregas's pass and forces a good save from Grant. This one is livening up.

Mark Critchley31 December 2016 15:17

Still waiting...

...for the first Premier League goal of the afternoon. Goalless in all six of the Premier League kick-offs.

Mark Critchley31 December 2016 15:20

GOAL - Leicester 1-0 West Ham

Right on cue, the first goal of the afternoon goes to Leicester City as Slimani heads home from Albrighton's cross. No chance for Randolph.

Mark Critchley31 December 2016 15:22

GOAL - Swansea 0-1 Bournemouth

Breakthrough for Bournemouth and more trouble for Swansea as Afobe gives Eddie Howe's side the lead at The Liberty Stadium.

Mark Critchley31 December 2016 15:26

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