Chelsea are undefeated in their last 12 matches but they're still only competing for a top four spot, with Manchester City recording such a strong lead at the top of the Premier League table.
City's record-breaking run of 18 league wins means that Antonio Conte's side can likely only hope for a second-place finish and lag just one point behind Manchester United.
Meanwhile, Mark Hughes has been under pressure after Stoke City slid into a relegation battle, but the recent win over West Bromwich Albion seems to have bought him some time.
CHELSEA INJURIES
David Luiz is likely to still be missing; the Brazilian is still nursing a knee complaint and is without a Premier League appearance since October 28.
Andreas Christensen missed the 2-0 win over Brighton on Boxing Day after developing a sickness bug but he is in line to return after being replaced by Gary Cahill in the last match. Charly Musonda could also be back ready for selection.
Chelsea are thought to have no other injury worries ahead of this weekend's match. Baba Rahman is still out with a long term knee injury.
Conte gave an update on Luiz and Musonda who are closing in on a return date for Chelsea.
"The same players from the last game are available, and about Musonda and David Luiz, they are improving a lot. The recovery is very close – I don't know about the next game, but for sure against Norwich. Luiz and Musonda will be available for that.”
CHELSEA SUSPENSIONS
Chelsea have recently had Alvaro Morata and Marcos Alonso suspended for an accumulation of five yellow cards but they are back to face Stoke.
However, Premier League rules state that players will be no longer be banned for accumulating five yellow cards after the 19th game, which happened to be Everton on December 23. It will now take players 10 cards to get a suspension.
POTENTIAL STARTING LINE-UP
Conte will likely rotate his side as he has done all December as Chelsea play at least two games a week. Christensen will likely return in the centre of the defence after missing the Boxing Day game.
Chelsea won 2-0 while playing in a 3-5-2 formation against Brighton but they might switch to 3-4-3 to accommodate returns for Pedro and Willian. Conte may also have half an eye on his side's away match against Arsenal at the start of 2018.
STOKE TEAM NEWS
Kurt Zouma is on loan at Stoke from Chelsea and he will be out of the match due to the terms of his loan arrangement with his parent club. Stoke had an injury crisis in defence when they lost 4-0 to Chelsea back in September.
They could be faced with another one on Saturday with Bruno Martins Indi is out with a groin injury, Erik Pieters carrying a knock and Glen Johnson carrying a knee injury.
Ryan Shawcross is thought to be out with a calf injury that he sustained against Huddersfield Town which completes a worrying picture for Mark Hughes with pressure already high.
Jese Rodríguez is also a doubt but Stoke have no other injuries. Hughes confirmed his team's plight ahead of Saturday's clash.
"It's similar to the home game against them [Chelsea] when we ended that game with no recognised centre halves."
TV CHANNEL & KICK OFF TIME
The match takes place at 15:00 GMT on Saturday but it won't be shown live in the UK. Highlights can be caught on BBC's Match of the Day at around 22:30.
In the United States (US), Everton v Chelsea can be watched live and on-demand with fuboTV (7-day free trial).
BEST OPTA MATCH FACTS
-
Stoke City have lost 14 Premier League games against Chelsea; more than they have against any other
opponent in the competition (W2 D3 L14). -
Chelsea haven’t lost their final Premier League game in a calendar year since 2011 (1-3 at home to Aston
Villa). -
The Blues have conceded just four goals in their last 11 Premier League games, keeping seven clean
sheets on the way. -
Antonio Conte’s side have also won their last six Premier League home games – only Manchester City (9)
are on a longer current run. -
Álvaro Morata scored three goals from just three shots on target in Chelsea’s 4-0 league win over Stoke earlier this season.
