Stoke vs Chelsea: The One Conte did on a cold, windy afternoon in Stoke

Loving Life

Over the course of ninety minutes on Saturday afternoon, Mark Hughes undid much of the good work he's done at Stoke. While they've been longstanding and reputed bullies over the years, Hughes has attempted to bring a new style of play to the cold, wet pitch in the Bet365iseum. He has introduced unexpected players like Bojan and Xherdan Shaqiri to the squad in an effort to make Stoke's brand of football a little more palatable and a little less pugnacious.

Preview: Stoke vs Chelsea

The Don at today's press conference

Thirty points may separate these two sides, but expect Saturday’s game at The Britannia Bet365iseum to trouble the league leaders more than that gap would intimate. Chelsea have won just two of their last seven games away at Stoke City, losing both their league and League Cup match there just weeks apart last season.

Although future England number one, Jack Butland, has returned to training it is unlikely he will be fit this weekend to face Chelsea. But even without one of the league's standout goalkeepers, Stoke's defence have been exceptional as of last keeping a clean sheet in three of their last four league games. Although their 4-0 loss in 45 minutes at White Hart Lane did fall in that run.

QPR vs Stoke: The one where Ferdinand made Crouch look like Usain Bolt

With just 3 between QPR and Stoke in their 8 collective Premier League matches this season, Saturday’s early kick-off didn’t look promising for anyone who is a fan of goals. However, late drama ensured this match ended with more goals than either side had seen so far in the Premier League this season.