Preview: Chelsea vs. Stoke City

Roberto Di Matteo faces his first Premier League test in charge of Chelsea as the Blues welcome Stoke City to Stamford Bridge.

The former English champions, who play their first domestic fixture without sacked manager Andre Villas-Boas, will be buoyed by their FA Cup 2-0 victory over Birmingham City in mid-week.

Di Matteo could welcome back Frank Lampard in replace of John Obi Mikel, while Didier Drogba should return to the fold in place of out-of-form striker Fernando Torres.

John Terry could start his first game in a month after recovering from an ankle injury, while Daniel Sturridge should retain his spot up front.

Tony Pulis has few injury woes ahead of the fixture and is expected to keep Glen Whelan and Dean Whitehead holding the midfield with Peter Crouch leading the line.

Current form:

Chelsea: LDLWLW
Stoke: LLWLWW

Possible lineups:

Chelsea: Cech; Ivanovic, Terry, Luiz, Bertrand; Ramires, Lampard, Essien, Mata; Drogba, Sturridge

Stoke: Sorensen; Upson, Shawcross, Huth, Wilson; Etherington, Whelan, Whitehead, Shotton; Crouch Walters

Sports Mole says: 2-1

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