Preview: Stoke City vs. Chelsea

Stoke City face an in-form Chelsea side when they welcome Jose Mourinho's men to the Britannia Stadium this weekend.

Mark Hughes has failed to guide his team to victory in their last two fixtures, having succumbed to a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Everton and a goalless draw with Cardiff City in midweek.

Those results have left the Potters 14th in the Premier League table, but they could move up a spot if they cause an upset against the Blues, who sit second in the standings, four points behind leaders Arsenal.

Stoke have been more positive on home turf, having lost just once in their six games at the Britannia so far this season, but Chelsea have been strong on the road of late following wins from their last two away trips.

The former Champions League winners came from behind to grab a 4-3 victory over Sunderland on Wednesday, with Eden Hazard impressing for Mourinho during the clash.

Oussama Assaidi could keep his place in the Stoke lineup, while Hughes could opt for Peter Crouch to lead the line up front.

For Chelsea, Juan Mata may be picked ahead of Oscar if the Brazilian continues to nurse an injury, while Cesar Azpilicueta is expected to keep Ashley Cole on the bench.

Recent form

Stoke City: LDDWLD

Chelsea: WLDWWW

Possible starting lineups

Stoke City: Begovic; Cameron, Shawcross, Wilson, Pieters; Arnautovic, Nzonzi, Whelan, Adam, Assaidi; Crouch

Chelsea: Cech; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Ramires, Lampard; Willian, Mata, Hazard; Torres

Sports Mole says: 0-2