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Loic Remy
Remy could be set for an extended role in Chelsea's starting lineup after Costa sustained another hamstring problem. Getty Images

Chelsea host Stoke City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday as the Blues look to keep their lead at the top of the table to six points.

Where to watch live

Kick-off is set for 5.30pm BST. Live coverage of the game will be available on Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports 1 HD.

Overview

Chelsea escaped a massive upset against Burnley by the skin of their teeth in the week preceding the international break, where Loic Remy's goal secured a nervy 3-2 victory for the Blues.

Jose Mourinho's men were 2-0 up and cruising but two goals in quick succession from Sean Dyche's men brought Burnley back into the game. They tried their level best to score the winner, but were thwarted by Thibaut Courtois' heroics, who single-handedly kept Chelsea in the game.

The Blues have to find their composure to prevent any nerve wracking encounters in their journey for the title, which is for the taking, given they are currently six points ahead of Manchester City with a game in hand.

Mourinho has already broken his lean patch for two years by winning the Capital One Cup. He will be looking to secure his third league title and his first one after returning to England so as to alleviate any talk about his potential diminishing, following their ignominious departure at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

Diego Costa has been adjudged fit for the clash after the Spain international missed the international weekend through injury.

Meanwhile, Stoke have multiple injury problems up front, not least the unavailability of Bojan Krkic, who has been ruled out of the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury. However, they can harbour hopes of crossing the 50-point mark, with eight games to go in the season and also secure a top 10 finish.

Mark Hughes' men have already had the better of Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham in the season and a similar performance against Chelsea can throw the title race wide open.

What Managers Say

Jose Mourinho: [On Costa] "It was the same injury, a hamstring, and he dedicated himself to recovering. No days off, the medical department were saying. Morning, afternoon, working hard. We can say we did all the tests and scans to confirm scientifically the situation and at this moment the muscle is fine. But football is more than that: you need confidence, to believe that you don't need to break your intensity and are free to express yourself at the maximum intensity, and that's our doubt. We'll see the next 24 hours. But selected [in the squad]? That's for sure."

Mark Hughes: "I'm told that the last time we got a positive result there [in the league] was 1984 and my first-team coach [Eddie Niedzwiecki] was in goal for Chelsea. I don't know what that says about the quality of Stoke in those days -- or if it questions the ability of my first-team coach! But it has been a long time and we need to address that. We have been able to go to the likes of Manchester City and Tottenham this year [and get results] and our away form for the most part has been good. We have proved to ourselves that we can go to top clubs and get positive results, and hopefully we will do more of the same at the weekend."

Betting Odds (By 888Sport)

  • Chelsea win: 5/18
  • Draw: 23/5
  • Stoke City Win: 23/2

Team News

Chelsea

Possible XI: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Matic, Fabregas; Hazard, Oscar, Willian; Remy

Stoke City

Posssible XI: Begovic; Bardsley, Wollscheid, Shawcross, Pieters; Whelan, N'Zonzi; Arnautovic, Adam, Diouf; Walters

Chelsea FC Stoke City FC