The second of a trilogy of home games is nearly upon us as Italian opposition is replaced by the team from the Potteries. From defending champions to unbeaten league leaders as we seamlessly switch competitions. This weekend's opponents have had a blank week in which to prepare while Chelsea suffered the disappointment of surrendering a two-goal lead against a very good Juventus side. - Premier League Table -

That result means Roberto Di Matteo's team have not won in three matches, though Chelsea are six points better off compared to the corresponding Barclays Premier League games in 2011/12, with three clean sheets where last season there were none. However, Chelsea have won all four Premier League meetings with them at the Bridge, notching up 12 goals to the Potters' one.

Running over from last season, Chelsea have won five of the last six league matches at the Bridge, and avenged the only loss, against Newcastle, in the most recent of those.

Oscars night is usually at the end of February. Understandably, though, spectators and reporters went wild about his display on Wednesday night: his clam job on Pirlo almost as creditable as that sensational second goal. Surely the debutant's strike ranks among the best goals witnessed in our 107-year-old stadium.

As one supporter put it: the young Brazilian has nothing to declare but his genius. Shame his night ended after a callous stamp by Leonardi Bonucci that went unpunished. UEFA may choose to re-examine the incident and act accordingly.

Oscar's ankle will need to be assessed, along with Daniel Sturridge's hamstring, but Juan Mata's lively return was a boost for the Blues.

Only Arsenal have conceded fewer league goals than Chelsea's two.

This weekend's match against Stoke is the second 'traditional' 3pm Saturday league kick-off in a row. The last time that happened was, by coincidence, when the same club visited the Bridge in March.

Chelsea's fixtures list remains congested with weekend league and midweek cup games until the international break in early October.

When the home clash with Norwich on 6 October is over the Blues will already have played 12 matches, one more than Manchester City, two more than the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United, and four more than Stoke.

Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City have not yet faced a team from the top half of the table. The latter two play each other this weekend.


- Match preview by chelseafc.com