Following two uninspiring defeats, Chelsea welcome Stoke City to Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening, with the Blues eager to bounce back after a dismal week.
Jose Mourinho is one to motivate his players in a unique manner. While it may be utter silence at half-time or a sceptical dressing down, Mourinho must elevate the spirit of his players for the visit of Stoke City.
They must avoid frustration, with the Potters likely to adopt the functional tactics of Paris Saint Germain and play compact, wary of Chelsea’s potentially lethal counter-attacking threat.
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Mourinho has expressed his frustrations with the strikers he has at his disposal, and with Samuel Eto’o still doubtful and Fernando Torres low on confidence, it remains to be seen whether the Portuguese will continue with Andre Schurrle in the false 9 role.
Ashley Cole remains sidelined with a troublesome knee problem while Nemanja Matic and Mohamed Salah return from European ineligibility.
The back five is likely to remain unchanged which means David Luiz could be left out, with the return of Matic. Frank Lampard is likely to start, with Ramires serving the third of his three-match ban.
Prediction: 2-0; Chelsea have won their last 7 home matches against Stoke in all competitions and expect Mourinho’s men to earn full three points against the Potters on Saturday.
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