This is a like a training session early on as Chelsea bamboozle Stoke with their quick passing. Loic Remy is played in by Cesc Fabregas but his low shot across goal is well stopped by Asmir Begovic. Surely the opener is only a matter of time?

Image source, AP

Chelsea are in cruise control as they knock the ball around and just prod and probe for the opportunity. Eden Hazard thinks he sees one, but his drive from 25 yards is always rising as it flies over the bar.

Image source, AFP

Stoke have looked to go forward twice so far and both times they have pinged the ball into the crowd. Either they know someone in that front row on the left flank or their passing radar is a little bit off.

Former Stoke City winger Matthew Etherington
BBC Radio Stoke at Stamford Bridge

"Stoke are being quite passive in their defending and closing down at the minute, and Chelsea are having a lot of possession in the final third. You cannot give these Chelsea players time on the ball because they will just destroy you."

The initial corner is cleared but, after a few crosses from either side of the pitch are partially headed away, Willian curls a shot just wide off the past from the left edge of the penalty area.

Chelsea look in confident mood. Eden Hazard bursts towards Stoke's goal and has his cross cleared for a corner. Chance for an opener?

Former Stoke City winger Matthew Etherington
BBC Radio Stoke at Stamford Bridge

"A great save by Asmir Begovic, it looked set for the top corner but he adjusted his feet really well.

"Obviously Chelsea have got quality throughout the pitch, but Eden Hazard has had such a fantastic season. He will be the one they look to to get them over the line and win this Premier League title, and he looks a certainty to be voted Players' Player of the Year."

Chelsea fans are probably used to not kicking off at the traditional 3pm on a Saturday. Just as well, as they won't between now and the end of the season.

Chelsea start on the front foot as Loic Remy's deflected strike on the turn is clawed away by goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.

Image source, Getty Images

A win moves Chelsea seven points clear of second-placed Arsenal. A defeat sees them just four ahead of the Gunners with a game in hand. Blue is the Colour blaring out of the tannoy system as the whistle goes. Game on.

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

Stoke XI: Begovic; Cameron, Shawcross, Wollscheid, Wilson; Ireland, Whelan, Nzonzi, Adam; Walters, Diouf.

James in London: This exact Saturday, 5:30pm last season, Chelsea beat Stoke 3-0 following a few negative results. Hopefully history will repeat itself!

Let us know your thoughts via #bbcfootball or on text via 81111 (UK users only).

Here come the teams. A few hugs between some of the players in the tunnel but Stoke skipper Ryan Shawcross ignores everyone. Focused? Or maybe he just doesn't know anyone.

Simon Brotherton
Match of the Day commentator

"Chelsea's performance against Hull last time out was a mixed bag, containing both brilliance and blunders, but Jose Mourinho believes it has put them in the strongest position they've enjoyed all season. Second-placed Manchester City don't play again until Monday and could be staring at a nine-point deficit with eight games to play.

"Former Chelsea player Mark Hughes looks set to guide Stoke to another top-half finish in the table, but they've lost their way a little over the last couple of games with defeats at West Brom and at home to Crystal Palace."

Image source, PA

Mark Hughes should get a decent reception at Stamford Bridge - having made 95 league appearances for Chelsea between 1995-1998.

The Stoke boss won the FA Cup, the League Cup and the Cup Winners Cup with Chelsea. Not a bad haul eh?

Image source, .

There can be few complaints at Stoke City this season as they look to be heading for another top-half Premier League finish.

Remember when sections of the Stoke fans were dead against Mark Hughes' appointment back in 2013? I'm presuming that sign is long gone these days.

Having said that the Potters have lost their last couple of matches at West Brom and at home to Crystal Palace and will be keen to get back on track this afternoon.

Stoke defender Marc Muniesa on Twitter:, external Tough game today at Stamford Bridge. We have to give our 100% every minute.

That should be a given Marc.

If you look at recent history, then you are going to be lumping on a Chelsea win.

Since gaining promotion to the Premier League in 2008, Stoke have played Chelsea away eight times in all competitions. and lost all eight. In fact, they haven't got a league point at Chelsea since a 1-1 draw in 1984.

"Our record there hasn't been great, but that could be said of most clubs in the Premier League recently," said Stoke boss 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. But 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."