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
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
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.
Please allow a moment for the blog to load.
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
Red Card!
Serge Aurier auditions for the stupidest red card of the season. The fall back, who picked up a yellow card about five minutes ago lunges in on Andy Carroll on the halfway line and leaves Micheal Oliver with no option but to send him off.
72 mins: Harry Winks enters the action and replaces Christian Eriksen as Tottenham look to prevent a comeback. West Ham also make a change, Jose Fonte makes way for Arthur Masuaku as the hosts switch to four at the back.
76 mins: Andy Carroll collects a knock-down and fires a left footed shot wide. Spurs withdraw Moussa Sissoko and Kieran Trippier enters the action.
80 mins: Javier Hernandez picks up a yellow card. Not sure if it was for a his tackle or the protests which followed, either way, he's in the book.
83 mins: West Ham lift a free kick into the box and Andy Carroll tries to control the ball at the back post but Spurs clear.
Goal!
West Ham 2-3 Tottenham
Well then! Arthur Masuaku crosses from deep to Cheik Kouyate who fires a header into the net and sets up a big finish against 10-man Tottenham. Four minutes plus added time to go.
89 mins: Harry Kane makes way for Fernando Llorente as Spurs use up time on the clock with their backs against the wall.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments