John Obi Mikel: 'Chelsea can withstand Stoke City test'

John Obi Mikel has said that he expects Chelsea to withstand their trip to the Britannia Stadium tomorrow.

Jose Mourinho's men will face a Stoke City side that have lost just one of their five Premier League matches.

The Nigerian international, who was recently named sportsperson of the year in his home country, told the club's website: "I think Stoke have been trying to do something different with their play, but I think tomorrow they are going to go back to the normal routine of playing longer balls and trying to pick up the second ball.

"If they try to play we've got good quality that can withstand that. They are definitely going to go with their strengths and we are ready for it. Hopefully tomorrow we are going to get a good result.

"It is difficult coming in when it's getting tough for the team, but whenever the manager calls on me to start or come off the bench I'm always ready to do my job, help the team and make sure we win."

Chelsea head into the game second in the table.