BETWEEN THE STICKS

THOMAS Sorensen appeared to be under severe pressure for his place from Asmir Begovic for the opening couple of games, but Begovic has dropped himself some way down the pecking order with this week's shenanigans.

Stoke have made clear they won't be bullied into selling Begovic, but Carlo Nash is likely to replace him on the bench – at least until the dust has settled a bit.

Expect Abdoulaye Faye to return to the centre of defence after he was rested for the midweek Carling Cup win over Shrewsbury.

He will partner Ryan Shawcross in the centre with Robert Huth being deployed at right-back.

Danny Higginbotham could edge out Danny Collins to return at left-back.

Chelsea's 4-3-3 system will see them field a fearsome front three of Nicolas Anelka, Didier Drogba and Florent Malouda.

Although Anelka will start on the right and Malouda on the left, the front three will swap positions regularly during the game.

MIDFIELD BATTLE

PORTSMOUTH'S Marc Wilson has been earmarked for one of Stoke's central-midfield positions, but if he doesn't sign in time, expect City to stick with Glenn Whelan and Dean Whitehead in the centre with Rory Delap on the right.

Tony Pulis has admitted that Whelan has been below his best so far this season, which suggests the Republic of Ireland international is the most vulnerable as City look to strengthen their central midfield.

Chelsea play with a midfield three of Michael Essien, Jon Obi Mikel and Frank Lampard.

Essien and Mikel are the holding midfielders when required, allowing Lampard to roam forward to try to add to the 106 league goals he's already scored for Chelsea.

CUTTING EDGE

CITY'S defending will have to start from their front two, so Jon Walters and Ricardo Fuller will have key roles to play, even though they won't expect to get many chances in front of goal.

They will need to hold the ball up to relieve pressure on the defence.

Fortunately, Walters's hold-up play has been superb in his first two games for the club, although he had an easier test against Shrewsbury than Tottenham.

Fuller has become an old hand at chasing the ball down the channels and winning free-kicks and throw-ins to give City something to build on.

Kenwyne Jones has an outside chance of being available after an ankle injury, but a place on the bench looks more likely if he passes a fitness test.

Chelsea's full-backs Ashley Cole and Branislav Ivanovic are encouraged to bomb forward, effectively acting as wingers when their team are in possession.

They get the opportunity thanks to the cover provided by holding midfielders Essien and Mikel.

Centre-halves John Terry and Alex are also a goal threat from set-pieces.

Goalkeeper Petr Cech completes a defence which hasn't conceded a goal in the opening two games.