Struggling Stoke no match for Jose Mourinho’s ruthless Chelsea

Chelsea haven’t lost a league game at Stoke since 1975 and they should be backed at 8/5 to win by more than one goal.

That bet would have landed in six of Chelsea’s last seven away wins and it was only a spirited Sunderland display on Wednesday which brought that run to an end.

The Londoners could only prevail by one goal there due to a late Phil Bardsley consolation but Jose Mourinho’s side have real momentum at present and they should comfortably win at 8/13.

The Blues are only second to leaders Arsenal in the current form table and away wins at Norwich (3-1), West Ham (3-0) and Sunderland (4-3) are a clear indication that Chelsea enjoy bullying weaker sides.

And that is what Stoke City are.

Bet on Chelsea to win by more than one goal at 8/5

Although still a physical side under Mark Hughes, Stoke’s results have not improved for a (slightly) more attractive style of play.

Under former boss Tony Pulis the club won 122 of 333 games played (37%), however under Hughes that figure is just five of 17 (29%).

The former Man City manager only took over in May but is already under serious pressure; Stoke have only won one of their last 11 Premier League matches.

Bet on a nil-nil draw at 9/1

Stoke’s home form has featured three goalless draws however that is in stark contrast to their away form which has seen them score seven goals; more than Spurs, Southampton and Swansea.

The nil-nil draw – which occurred in this fixture in 2011 – is 9/1.

Given their strikers’ poor form it would be no surprise to see the home side fail to register again, as they have in their last two games against Chelsea at the Britannia.

However with Chelsea’s midfield and defence in fine goal-scoring form – only one of their last 11 goals have been scored by recognised centre-forwards – I expect Mourinho’s side to win to nil at 6/4.