Stoke will welcome back the quartet of Thomas Sorenson, Tuncay, Glenn Whelan and Liam Lawrence from international duty. All have reportedly got through unscathed and all should feature at some point on Saturday. Mama Sidibe again misses out through that long standing injury but James Beattie should be fit enough for a place on the bench.
Chelsea's long list of internationals have also got through their respective games without injury and the Londoners will be hoping to take the same squad to the Britannia as they had before the two week break.
Stoke have two wins from two at home this term and have lost only one at home in 2009 but Chelsea are title favourites and have a 100% record this season. Somethings got to give and the stats point towards a close encounter.
Chelsea did the double over the Potters last season. The home game was played out without Rory Delap and saw the Potters fail to really test Chelsea as they lost 2-0 before the January clash at the Bridge ended with two late, late goals turning a one nil lead for the Potters into a 2-1 advantage for Chelsea. The Citizens only other appearance at the Britannia was for a 2003 FA Cup 5th round tie, when they again won by two goals to nil.
Tuncay will probably have to be content with a place on the bench and he may be joined by James Beattie, Danny Collins and Diego Arismendi as the Potters will more than likely stick with the same side that beat Sunderland prior to the international break.
Possible landmarks for the Potters include debuts for Collins and Arismendi, full debuts for Tuncay and Robert Huth and a 50th appearance for midfielder Glenn Whelan whilst Liam Lawrence, with 22 goals, is one goal behind second placed Mama Sidibe in the standings for top Stoke scorer in the current squad.
Prediction: A brave display sees the Potters hold out for a goalless draw with the central defenders having a busy afternoon