Gameweek 18 comes to its conclusion this Monday evening as league leaders Chelsea make their way to the Britannia. Now level on points with City, Jose Mourinho’s side will need to improve defensively on their travels – they’ve managed just one away clean sheet all season in the top-flight.
Thibaut Courtios returns for the Blues this evening, whilst Oscar drops to the bench as Cesc Fabregas moves to a more advanced berth. Eden Hazard and Diego Costa owners will be desperate for the pair to improve their away displays. The Belgian has managed just two assists on his travels, whilst Costa has now scored in only one of his last four on the road – those who handed him the armband will be hoping to be vindicated after Charlie Austin stole the show at the weekend.
Certainly, Stoke’s defensive frailties bode well for the Blues. Mark Hughes’ side have conceded in each of their previous ten and last managed a shut-out back in late September.
The Potters have averaged two goals per match over the last four in front of their own fans, though, and will be looking for Jon Walters and Peter Crouch to continue the form which saw both bag a goal and assist apiece in the recent home win over Arsenal. With Bojan having recovered from the hip problem that forced him off against Palace last week, Hughes will be buoyed by Chelsea’s recent away form, which has seen them win just one of the last four on their travels.
