Three key fixtures that could define Chelsea’s season between now and the New Year

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Chelsea vs Stoke City (31/12/16)

This fixture won’t be as difficult as the two previous ones mentioned, but it could be as crucial. It will be the side’s final league match of the calendar year and it is important that they sign off with a good performance that earns the three points. Momentum is a huge thing in football and for Chelsea to be contenders in May, they must start 2017 full of confidence. The momentum has started to build over the last few weeks and Conte will be hoping to carry it through all the way to the New Year. It is around that time that the serious contenders separate from the rest of the league and Chelsea will want to be one of those sides.

Although Stoke City are going to be floating in mid table once again this season, they have players that pose a serious threat and they will relish playing without pressure at Stamford Bridge. On any given day, Marko Arnautovic and Xherdan Shaqiri possess the quality to win matches on their own. Last season, Chelsea failed to beat Stoke in either of the two Premier League matches, but they have improved significantly since then and will be confident of taking the three points.

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