Chelsea start their quest for the Premier League title with a difficult away game at Britannia Stadium, the place where Stoke have won 10 out of 19 home games last term.

Stoke have been pretty impressive ever since they reached the elite division, although last season will definitely be remembered by all their fans for years to come.

The Potters not only easily avoided relegation, but they produced quite a coup by lifting the FA Cup title, after beating Bolton 5:0 at Wembley.

As a result, the Potters are now one step away from making it to Europa League group stages, with Swiss side Thun standing between them and what would be an amazing feat.

Having already played two competitive games, Tony Pulis’ side look to be well prepared for the start of the league campaign and after keeping two clean sheets against very good Hajduk Split, they are now 5.00 (4/1) with Paddy Power to do the same against Chelsea.

New signing from West Ham, Matthew Upson is unlikely to start as he still lacks match fitness, but Rory Delap and Matthew Etherington could shake off knee and rib injury to start this game. Ricardo Fuller, Mamady Sidibe and Danny Higginbotham remain long-term worries.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Begovic – Huth, Shawcross, Woodgate, Wilson – Pennant, Delap, Whelan, Etherington – Jones, Walters.

Chelsea looked like a safe bet for the league title after the opening exchanges last season, but the dismal run in November and December saw the Blues lose all chances to clinch the Premiership title.

Once gain, the Stamford Bridge outfit will be hoping for a strong start of the Premier League campaign, and the away game against Stoke will be the first real test for Andre Villas-Boas’ side.

Chelsea have been awfully quiet in the transfer window and apart from signing talented youngsters Lukaku, Romeo and Courtois, they did nothing to improve the quality of the current squad.

The Blues were pretty good in pre-season, but only because they opted to play very weak sides, so I am not convinced that odds of 1.73 (8/11) offered by Bet365 on away win represent a real value for money.

Daniel Sturridge starts his three-match ban, while David Luiz has been ruled out with injury. Michael Essien remains long-term worry.

Frank Lampard and Fernando Torres have shaken off their respective injuries, but Branislav Ivanovic is a doubt with a thigh problem.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Cech – Bosingwa, Terry, Alex, Cole – Ramires, Mikel, Lampard – Kalou, Drogba, Malouda.