Chelsea vs Stoke Preview and possible lineups

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We take a look ahead to today Premier League game between Chelsea and Stoke at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea: 'Blues' boss Antonio Conte has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the game, but may make changes to freshen up his squad ahead of the trip to Arsenal on Wednesday. Defender Andreas Christen could return to the starting lineup after missing the win over Brighton on Boxing Day due to illness. David Luiz and Charly Musona both remain unavailable with knee and gorin injuries respectively, but both are closing in on a return to action.

 Stoke: Mark Hughes is facing a defensive crisis ahead of the game, with Ryan Sawcross (calf), Bruno Martins Indi (groin) and Glen Johnson (knee) all injured, whilst Kurt Zouma is ineligible against his parent club. They could be boosted by the return of Erik Pieters, who has missed their last two games through injury.

  Possible lineups:

Chelsea: Courtois, Azpilicueta, Christensen, Cahill, Zappacosta, Bakayoko, Kante, Fabregas, Alonso, Hazard, Morata.

Stoke: Butland, Edwards, Cameron, Wimmer, Pieters, Fletchers, Allen, Adam, Choup-Moting, Shaqiri, Crouch.

  Did you know?

Chelsea have dropped just two points in their last nine Premier League home games against Stoke (W8, D1). Stoke have lost 14 of their 19 Premier League games against 'The Blues', their worst record against any team. The thoughts of Chelsea boss Antonio Conte: "I think we have a game that is very difficult against Stoke City. As you remember well, last season, in the same period, we suffered a lot to beat them at home. I remember very well the game. We must pay great attention. "I think we have to go game by game. It's normal when you have to play every two days that I have to make rotations and give a bit of rest to the players playing every game. At the same time, all my players deserve credit and I trust in all my players. "The same players from the last game are available, and about Musonda and David Luiz, they are improving a lot. The recovery is very close – I don't know about the next game, but for sure against Norwich City [in the FA Cup]." The thoughts of Stoke boss Mark Hughes: "We are obviously desperate to get a number of key players who are missing through injury back to full fitness. "Once we do that then I am confident of enjoying a really productive second half of the season. "Obviously Chelsea will be difficult, but Newcastle straight after, we have to make sure we are ready for that and really kick on in the new year."

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