Stoke City face an uphill task at Stamford Bridge this afternoon after losing Ricardo Fuller to a red card in a goalless half of football at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea started the match much the stronger and so nearly took the lead after just three minutes when Stoke's Ryan Shawcross headed towards his own goal, but it drifted just high of the bar.
The home side again went close moments later with a powerful header from Branislav Ivanovic, but his effort was just off target.
Chelsea continued to dominate possession and Gary Cahill's long-range effort brought a fine save from Potters goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.
Ramires was next to go close for the home side after 16 minutes, but the Brazilian just failed to connect with a cross from Salomon Kalou.
Stoke's best chance of the half fell to Jonathan Walters, but his strike just evaded the top corner. The away side were reduced to ten men after 25 minutes when Fuller stamped on Ivanovic following an altercation in the area.
Despite Chelsea's constant pressure, they still could not find the opening, with Didier Drogba and Ivanovic both threatening in the latter stages of the half.
Matt Law
