Stoke will stand their ground

12 Premierleague teams started their campaign. Liverpool couldn't beat Sunderland, despite early goal from Suarez and Arsenal was helpless without Nasri and Fabregas at St James Park. Bolton against the odds destroyed QPR and Joey Barton (still at Newcastle) was involved in scuffle with new Arsenal diver Gervinho.

Pretty entertaining beginning.

On Sunday another challengers for title start their matches in Stoke and West Brom. It's quite hard to see Manchester United not wining against West Brom, but odds on away win are just to low and I wouldn't consider taking them on handicap yet.

But I'll have one suggestion for another match, between Stoke and Chelsea.

14/08/2011 Stoke - Chelsea

Hosts started they official season few weeks earlier. First attempt after 30 years without European football was succesful. They beat Hajduk twice, with the same scoreline 1-0. Kept two clean sheets and continue their Eurotrip.

Stoke is hardly entertaining team - their game is constructed from defence. And with recently joined Woodgate, they look even stronger in this position.

There are doubts about Delap and Etherington starting match tomorrow and loss of Ricardo Fuller in attack might be significant.

Chelsea... What can I say? With appointment of new manager Andre Villas Boas I expected some new signings, but seems like he will ride the old horse, which in my opinion can not deliver the goods. Yes, there WERE good players, but now most of them are over 30 and I can not see them challenging Man United with current squad.

On Sunday they miss Sturridge, which I prefer instead of Anelka or Drogba (who was away with Ivory Coast squad on Wednesday), Luiz is injured and Torres is doubtful for start after concussion.

Games in Stoke are tough for any team (Stoke lost only 5 at home last season) and I don't think Chelsea will have easy day tomorrow. I'm not really impressed with Chelsea attacking abilities and expect low scoring game. I was expecting something like 1.65, but with 1.86 on offer I have to take it.

7 units - under 2.5@1.86 Dafabet

Good luck!


EDIT: FT Stoke 0-0 Chelsea. Pick is won (+6.02 units).