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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

SENT OFF - Van Dijk (Southampton)

The Saints are down to 10 as Van Dijk is sent off for a second booking, a foul on Salomon Rondon.

Mark Critchley31 December 2016 16:48

FULL-TIME - Chelsea 4-2 Stoke City

Chelsea go nine points clear the top of the table with a 13th straight win.

Mark Critchley31 December 2016 16:50

FULL-TIME - Man Utd 2-1 Middlesbrough

Martial and Pogba's late goals give United a remarkable and deserved win.

Mark Critchley31 December 2016 16:52

FULL-TIME - Southampton 1-2 West Brom

Mark Critchley31 December 2016 16:52

FULL-TIME - Burnley 4-1 Sunderland

Mark Critchley31 December 2016 16:53

FULL-TIME - Leicester City 1-0 West Ham

Mark Critchley31 December 2016 16:54

FULL-TIME - Swansea 0 - 3 Bournemouth

Mark Critchley31 December 2016 16:55

So the pressure is on Liverpool and City at Anfield in the late kick-off, with Chelsea nine points clear at the top. Jurgen Klopp and Manuel Pellegrini will know they cannot afford to lose this one. It should be a cracker so stay tuned for live coverage.

Mark Critchley31 December 2016 16:58

Kick-off at Anfield is just about 30 minutes away

Mark Critchley31 December 2016 16:59

Mark Critchley31 December 2016 17:00

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