The international break means it is a little while till our next league match. A little too early to start predicting our line up as we will need to wait with crossed fingers to see if our troops return to theBridge from their international travels injury free.

Assuming all goes well from that perspective we may well see Zhirkov take his place on the bench and maybe even an unexpected return for Joe Cole. Barring rotation policy decisions I find it hard to see how the starting 11 agaisnt Burnley will be changed much.

Damn internationals. :\

Stoke should be made of much sterner stuff than our opponents up until now. I still think we'll win, but not as emphatic as what we've seen so far.

Dudes, this seems so far away, hopefully the international games don't break our groove everything is rolling so well now.

Hi just joined as a member, stoke away is my first away game this season and have never been to the britannia before.

I'm going up by train from London. It looks a long way from the station! Anyone know how far it is or is best to get cab/bus?

anyone else here loving Deco's contribution so far? against sunderland we has the glue to our passing movement coupled with that very good goal. good as well against burnely. Hey, suddenly im not complaining hes staying! not sure hell play against stoke though. Joey C may be back

I think we'll see some rotation again against Stoke. Malouda and Mikel might start ahead of Deco, Ballack. In defense, we might see Ricky rested.

Deco played a full game against Denmark and played well. However I'd give him rest against Stoke. Zhirkov was not in the Russian squad for the liechtenstein game. Bossy also played a full and tiring game against Denmark. He's due for a rest as well.

anelka played a full game against romania will probably play in the crunch match against Serbia as will Ivanovic.

In short we are going to be a very tired team against Stoke. I would play a defensive lineup and shoot for 0-0.

Is Zhirkov completely fit and available for selection?

Is Zhirkov completely fit and available for selection?

Not sure if he's completely fit, but I think he didn't play in Russia's match against Liechtenstein on Saturday.

Hi just joined as a member, stoke away is my first away game this season and have never been to the britannia before.

I'm going up by train from London. It looks a long way from the station! Anyone know how far it is or is best to get cab/bus?

the stadium is about 20 minute from the train station, public transport is piss poor, a cab might be a good idea, turn left as you come out of the station and the rank is about 20 yards down, you cant miss it

best place for a drink is the power league just behind the ground, its set up on match days especially for away fans

if anyone as a spare ticket for the stoke match please let me know

the stadium is about 20 minute from the train station, public transport is piss poor, a cab might be a good idea, turn left as you come out of the station and the rank is about 20 yards down, you cant miss it

best place for a drink is the power league just behind the ground, its set up on match days especially for away fans

It takes about 20 minutes to walk from the train station to the Britannia, Turn right out the station, you'll come to some traffic lights, turn right and go under a railway bridge and then left down onto canal tow path, turn so that the canal is on your left and follow the tow path until there is a footbridge to get across to the Britannia Stadium.

If you are likely to walk be wary about wearing colours as Stoke still has quite a few hoolies stuck in the 70's.

This site is good for a run down on away grounds.

See you there!

Fester (aka Steve from Stoke)

It takes about 20 minutes to walk from the train station to the Britannia, Turn right out the station, you'll come to some traffic lights, turn right and go under a railway bridge and then left down onto canal tow path, turn so that the canal is on your left and follow the tow path until there is a footbridge to get across to the Britannia Stadium.

If you are likely to walk be wary about wearing colours as Stoke still has quite a few hoolies stuck in the 70's.

This site is good for a run down on away grounds.

See you there!

Fester (aka Steve from Stoke)

or you can catch the 23 or the 23a from the bus stop opposite the station, book to heron cross and ask the driver put you off just over the a50 and walk down

try and avoid the canal route after the match

Hello Mr Chelsea,

Where in Stoke are you from? I work in Audley and live in Eccleshall now, but have lived in Shelton, Northwood and Meir Heath since moving up from darn sarf.

I suspect they'll keep us in after the match and then may have buses to take people back to the station area (Stoke).

Cheers,

Fester

Edited September 9, 200916 yr by fester

Hello Mr Chelsea,

Where in Stoke are you from? I work in Audley and live in Eccleshall now, but have lived in Shelton, Northwood and Meir Heath since moving up from darn sarf.

I suspect they'll keep us in after the match and then may have buses to take people back to the station area (Stoke).

Cheers,

Fester

i live in norton, work in heron cross, grew up in fenton

So now that the essentially two week "international" break is over is club football actually back this Saturday...? Crazy...

Yes, thank god. I've had Chelsea withdrawal symptoms ;)

So has the forum!

So has the forum!

You're telling me, we even started talking about some game called tennis.

Is Alex fit, is Joe Cole fit, is Ivan available? I don't think we'll see too many alterations to the back 4. Certainly Terry and Cole will be in the back 4, but I'm unsure about the other 2.

In the middle, I think we'll see Mikel, Maloda, Essien, Lampard and then the usual 2 upfront!

Anyone got anything to add to the injuries/availability?

Oreland, Engerland , Scotaland , no interest thank you .

No Saturday morning buzz , no chat about the team when i get up, no text updates, no excitement or interest and bugger all to argue about with mates . INTERNATIONAL WEEKEND .

So thankfully my normal routine of anticipation, early morning buzz and that feeling of excitment returns this Saturday without Steve Ryder or Andy Townsend .

Ah finally its back! Well its been just a weekend since Chelsea last played but its seems like a whole summer.

Is anyone else rather excitied at the prospect of the return of Joe Cole? I think he will be more determined to be better than ever after this injury. Dont want too rush him back into the squad but im so looking forward to seeing him back in the Chelsea shirt.

Not especially.

Not especially.

:D