The Evening Standard's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Jose Mourinho made five changes to the side which beat Derby in the League Cup quarter-final last week as Chelsea returned to league action at Stoke on Monday night.
Thibaut Courtois returned to the starting XI, while Gary Cahill and Branislav Ivanovic came back into Mourinho's side.
Courtois returned after missing three matches with a groin injury and Petr Cech dropped back to the bench.
Willian came into to the line-up in place of Andre Schurrle, who was named among the substitutes, and Diego Costa was selected to lead the Chelsea line after Didier Drogba filled in last week.
John Obi Mikel makes his 250th start for the club.
Chelsea's potential 'ins and outs' during the January transfer window
Ahead of the game Cahill, who was rested for last week's League Cup win over Derby, said the Blues are focused on maintaining their place at the league's summit.
“People who have played in the Premier League realise this is a busy part of the season but also that it can be a crucial part of the season, so we need to keep focused.
“I feel excited about the way we have been playing. We obviously wanted to be up there competing this season and we have played some really good football, so I hope it continues now.”
Stoke: Begovic; Bardsley, Shawcross (c), Muniesa, Pieters; Cameron, Nzonzi; Walters, Bojan, Arnautovic; Crouch
Chelsea: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry (c), Azpilicueta; Mikel, Matic; Willian, Fabregas, Hazard; Diego Costa.
Subs: Cech, Filipe Luis, Zouma, Ake, Oscar, Schurrle, Drogba
