Chelsea vs Stoke live: What time does it start, what TV channel is it on and where can I watch it?
Everything you need to know about Chelsea vs Stoke
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Antonio Conte’s Chelsea juggernaut seems to be unstoppable at the moment.
On New Year’s Eve, they can claim their 13th straight Premier League win and equal Arsenal’s record for the most consecutive victories in a single season.
Standing in their way is Stoke City, who initially impressed at Anfield on Tuesday night before being blown away and going down 4-1.
With one or perhaps both of Liverpool and Manchester City assured of dropping points later, Chelsea could potentially end the year eight points clear at the summit.
Follow live updates on our blog below...
Please allow a moment for the live blog to load.
It’s a big game for…
Jon Walters: The Stoke forward hasn’t scored since his goal in the Potters’ 2-0 victory over Burnley at the beginning of the month. With Marko Arnautovic out through suspension too, Walters may be the visitors’ main hope of a goal at Stamford Bridge.
Weird stat…
1: In the last three meetings between the two sides, neither team has scored more than one goal.
Remember when…
In an affair between the two sides in April 2015, Charlie Adam scored this audacious effort from his own half but saw his side fall to a 2-1 defeat.
Player to watch…
Eden Hazard: After a pretty dismal campaign last season, the Belgian looks invigorated under new boss Antonio Conte. Stoke will do well to avoid a drubbing from what seems like an unstoppable Chelsea side at the moment.
Past three meetings…
Chelsea 1 (Traore) Stoke 1 (Diouf), Premier League, March 2016
Stoke 1 (Arnautovic) Chelsea 0, Premier League, November 2015
Stoke 1 (Walters) Chelsea 1 (Remy) (Stoke win on penalties) EFL Cup, October 2015
Form guide…
Chelsea: WWWWWW
Stoke: LWWLDD
Vital information…
Kick-off time: 15:00, Saturday 31st December 2016
TV: Highlights on Match of the Day, BBC TWO – 10pm
Odds…
Chelsea to win: 2/7
Stoke to win: 12/1
Draw: 5/1
Hello and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of this afternoon's Premier League action. There's plenty to keep us occupied, with leaders Chelsea hosting Stoke City and Manchester United at home to Middlesbrough. Elsewhere, champions/relegation battlers Leicester City take on West Ham, Burnley host Sunderland, it's Southampton v West Brom and Swansea against Bournemouth.
We'll be bringing you the team news from all today's 3pm kick-offs shortly.
Chelsea v Stoke City
Diego Costa is back from suspension for the Premier League leaders, as is N'Golo Kante. Nemanja Matic is on the bench.
Jose Mourinho has made five changes to his Manchester United side from the one which beat Sunderland last time out.
Wayne Rooney misses the game through injury.
In come Chris Smalling and Eric Bailly at centre-back, while Marouanne Fellaini, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Anthony Martial all start at Old Trafford.
Confirmation that Pedro misses out for Chelsea today through suspension.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments