Chelsea v Stoke: Di Matteo’s Blues set for a comfortable home win

Roberto Di Matteo’s first game in charge passed without incident and although Stoke will provide a much sterner test of Chelsea’s resolve, the home side will shade it at 2/5.

Since Stoke’s promotion to the top flight in 2008, the Potters have lost five and drawn two of their seven league meetings with Chelsea.

The Potters’ away record against the Premier League’s top clubs is none too impressive having lost by at least two goals at Old Trafford, Eastlands and the Emirates.

They haven’t fared well in front of goal on their travels this season either, scoring just nine times in 13 away fixtures – only Fulham have scored fewer. And Tony Pulis’ men have netted just once in their last four trips to Stamford Bridge in all competitions.

The Blues beat Bolton 3-0 in their last home game and it’s 11/8 for them to win to nil again.

But after four successive defeats, Stoke have now won three of their last four in league and cup, including both of their last two. The Potters are 7/1 to win at Stamford Bridge for the first time since 1995.

Chelsea meanwhile have lost two and won just one of their last six league games, though a 2-0 FA Cup win at Birmingham will have at least restored some calm amid the panic.

Even in the turmoil, Chelsea’s home record is largely respectable, having won eight of 13 in front of their own fans. And their tally of 30 home goals is only bettered by the two Manchester clubs.

All but two of these 13 contests have seen over 2.5 goals and it’s 4/6 for at least three goals to be scored.

Elsewhere, the last two meetings between the sides have ended all square, and though they were both at the Britannia, a third successive stalemate is available at 10/3.