Filed under: Chelsea, Stoke City, Premier League, Football, Match Previews
PREMIER LEAGUE: BRITANNIA STADIUM, SATURDAY APRIL 2, 2011. KICK-OFF: 1500 BSTThe image of Roman Abramovich shaking his head as Fernando Torres trudged off the field after another insipid performance clearly illustrated that everything is still not well at Chelsea.
Despite only one defeat in the last 13 games, a run that has breathed much needed hope into Carlo Ancelotti's slim aspirations of reclaiming the title, Torres still struggles to live up to his exorbitant price tag.
Abramovich's unimpressed expression, seen towards the end of the victory over Manchester City, only serves to increase the pressure on Ancelotti as he bids to find a way to restore Torres to his predatory best.
A visit to the Britannia Stadium and a rejuvenated Stoke will be another tricky afternoon for the Spain international but the recent history books will at least provide him with some crumbs of comfort.
Stoke have made putting noses out of joint an art form since promotion to the Premier League but their record against Chelsea is, quite frankly, dreadful.
Five meetings against the current champions is yet to yield a single point and manager Tony Pulis is desperate to change that damning statistic and maintain confidence ahead of their FA Cup semi-final against Bolton.
Pulis and his Potters, barring a stunning late collapse, are virtually safe from relegation but the Stoke manager can still play a pivotal role in finally ending Ancelotti's fading title hopes here.
Form Guide: Stoke have not lost at home in nine games, with seven of those ending in victories, but remain only five points adrift of the relegation zone. Chelsea's only defeat in the last 13 games was the humbling at home to Liverpool and a victory here could see them close the gap on leaders Manchester United to six points if West Ham can do them a favour.
Key Match-Up: Jon Walters v David Luiz. Walters cannot have imagined in his wildest dreams he would be facing players costing £21 million at the start of last year. But the former Ipswich striker has adapted admirably to the Premier League since his summer move and is emerging as a Stoke regular. Luiz has been sensational since hid arrival from Benfica and has another chance to enhance his growing reputation here.
Odds: Stoke 9/2, Chelsea 4/6, Draw 13/5
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