Mark Lawrenson states his prediction for Chelsea v Stoke
The Liverpool legend is backing Chelsea to record a seventh successive home win in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon
Mark Lawrenson believes Chelsea will ease to a 3-0 win against Stoke City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening.
The defending Premier League champions will be looking to extend their excellent run in west London since a disappointing 1-0 loss to leaders Manchester City at Stamford Bridge back in September.
Chelsea secured a 2-0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion in their Premier League game on Boxing Day thanks to goals from Spanish duo Alvaro Morata and Pedro Rodriguez in west London.
The title holders have collected 29 points from their last 12 games in the Premier League to put pressure on bitter rivals Manchester United in the race to secure a place in the top four.
Stoke, on the other hand, have only managed to win one of their last five Premier League games to leave the Potters in 13th place and three points above the relegation zone.
Former Liverpool defender Lawrenson is backing Chelsea to ease to a 3-0 win over Stoke City in their last Premier League game at Stamford Bridge in 2017.
“Stoke have picked up four points from their festive games so far, but I don’t think they will get much out of this one,” Lawrenson told BBC Sport.
“The Potters are short at the back – Ryan Shawcross picked up a calf injury against Huddersfield on 26 December, Bruno Martins Indi is still out and Kurt Zouma is ineligible against his former club.
“Chelsea’s home record is very good other than their opening-day defeat by Burnley and their loss to Manchester City in September.
“Antonio Conte’s side have won their past six league games at Stamford Bridge – and I am expecting them to make it seven wins in a row on Saturday.”
Chelsea have won the Premier League title on two occasions in the past three seasons.
The Blues signed six players in the summer transfer window to improve their squad ahead of a return to the Champions League under Antonio Conte.
