Stoke vs Chelsea: What time does it start, where can I watch it and what are the odds?
A look ahead to the Premier League clash at the bet365 Stadium
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Your support makes all the difference.Stoke will be attempting to stop another top-six side in their tracks as they host Chelsea on Saturday.
The Potters may have only amassed five points from their first five games but they’ve already beaten Arsenal and held United in a 2-2 draw.
On-loan centre-back Kurt Zouma is ineligible to play against his parent club, while Geoff Cameron and Ryan Shawcross are both injured. Eden Hazard could make his first league start of the season for Chesea.
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What time is it?
The game kicks off at 3.00pm on Saturday 23 September at the bet365 Stadium.
Where can I watch it?
The game isn’t being broadcast on TV. Follow updates from our live blog instead.
It’s a big game for?
Mark Hughes. The Stoke manager saw his side beat Arsenal in the second game of the new season and notably hold United to their first draw earlier this month, but the Potters are still yet to find their feet. Defeat against Newcastle last week means the side have only picked up five points from their opening five games. A win against Chelsea on Saturday would do Stoke no end of favours and hopefully kickstart their season into life.
Player to watch?
Eden Hazard. The Belgian’s late introduction last weekend against Arsenal demonstrated what Chelsea miss without him in the side. He re-energised the team with his vision and technical ability and Conte will be hoping he can make the difference against a traditionally stubborn Stoke side on Saturday.
Head-to-head:
Stoke 1 Chelsea 2, Premier League, March 2017
Chelsea 4 Stoke 2, Premier League, December 2016
Chelsea 1 Stoke 1, Premier League, March 2016
Form:
Stoke: LLDDW
Chelsea: WDWWW
Odds:
Stoke to win: 24/5
Draw: 16/5
Chelsea to win: 4/7
"Probably just onside" is former Premier League referee Graham Poll's verdict on BT Sport.
42 mins: Emre Can sets up Roberto Firmino who shoots with his left foot across goal and just beyond Philippe Coutinho who was stretching at the back post.
45 mins: Two minutes added onto this second half as Liverpool continue to camp in Leicester's half.
46 mins: Jamie Vardy is given a long, bouncing ball to chase and Joel Matip is judged to illegally block him and picks up a yellow card. Riyad Mahrez takes the free kick on the corner of the box and Vardy meets it at the front post and earns a corner.
Goal!
Liverpool are a shambles at the back. Simon Mignolet tries to punch clear a corner and doesn't get close. The ball then falls to Shinji Okazaki who diverts the ball into an empty net. Jordan Henderson is furious as he felt his goalkeeper was being held, replays suggest he has a case.
And that brings us to half time.
46 mins: The second half is underway, could there be a big finish? Neither manager makes a change at half time.
48 mins: Leicester have come out fast here. They're moving the ball quickly and running at the Liverpool players.
50 mins: Ben Chilwell takes a heavy knock from Joe Gomez, after a minute or so with the physio he is back on his feet.
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