Stoke City manager Mark Hughes is optimistic that Bojan Krkic will be available for his side's match with Chelsea on Monday night.

The Spaniard suffered a hip injury against Crystal Palace last weekend, but after returning to training this week, the former Barcelona attacker should take his place in the starting lineup.

So far this season, Stoke have been inconsistent in the league, with wins against Manchester City and Arsenal being undone by losses to Leicester City and Burnley.

However, Hughes will be satisfied with the displays of the Potters, who defeated Chelsea in this fixture 13 months ago.

The league leaders could welcome back goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who has missed the last two games with a muscle injury.

Gary Cahill and Branislav Ivanovic will return to the starting lineup, while Didier Drogba has shaken off an ankle knock to be included on the bench.

The Blues are currently three points clear at the top of the table but they will be joined on 39 points if Manchester City can beat Crystal Palace on Saturday lunchtime.

Stoke City:

Recent form: WLLLWD

Possible starting lineup: Begovic, Bardsley, Shawcross, Wilson, Pieters, Nzonzi, Cameron, Diouf, Bojan, Walters, Crouch

Chelsea:

Form in Premier League: WWDWLW
Form in all competitions: DWLWWW

Possible starting lineup: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Fabregas, Matic; Willian, Oscar, Hazard; Costa

Sports Mole says: 1-2

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