Chelsea Eyes Three Points Against Stoke

Arsenal will assess forward Danny Welbeck, in today’s clash against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium. He has a slight knee problem.

Mikel Arteta, Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain, Mathieu Debuchy and Abou Diaby won’t play despite returning to training, but Jack Wilshere has not been ruled out.

Liverpool duo Steven Gerrard and Martin Skrtel begin three-game suspensions, but Lucas is back following a thigh injury.

Daniel Sturridge should return from a hip injury and Raheem Sterling has recovered from a toe problem, but Adam Lallana is a doubt with a groin injury.

Despite the feel-good factor around the Steven Gerrard versus Jamie Carragher charity match,  which saw Luis Suarez and Fernando Torres return to play at Anfield, it has not been the best couple of weeks at Liverpool.

Raheem Sterling insists he is not a ‘money-grabbing 20-year-old’.

As club bosses consider the messages being sent by Raheem Sterling in this week’s interview with the BBC’s Natalie Pirks, the damage done in the defeat by Manchester United is still being keenly felt.

Chelsea top scorer Diego Costa is a doubt to face Stoke because of the hamstring injury that ruled him out of international duty for Spain.

The Blues’ only definite absentee is midfielder John Obi Mikel, who remains out following a knee problem.

Forward Jonathan Walters is expected to be fit for Stoke despite sustaining a calf injury in training.

Marc Muniesa returns after a hamstring problem, but loanee Victor Moses is unavailable against his parent club.

Loic Remy’s winner at Hull last time out wasn’t a classic, but important nonetheless in getting Chelsea over the line on a tricky afternoon and keeping them firmly in control of the title race.

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie has again been ruled out with a lingering ankle injury.

Luke Shaw has recovered from a hamstring problem but Chris Smalling is a big doubt because of illness.

Aston Villa captain Ron Vlaar is fit after six weeks out with a calf problem, while Jores Okore and Joe Cole have also overcome injuries.

The game could come too soon for Aly Cissokho and Nathan Baker, while United loanee Tom Cleverley is ineligible.

Kieran Richardson and Philippe Senderos are back in training but may not be risked.

Two games ago, when Manchester United began a daunting-looking run of matches, this match almost crept under the radar.