FA Cup Semi-Final Preveiw:
Bolton Wanderers V Stoke City
Wembley Stadium
17th April, 4pm
The Potters take on the Trotters in this weekends 2nd FA Cup Semi-Final at Wembley. This is the Potters first trip to the new home of English football and they will be hoping this visit proves as fruitful as there last 3 visits.
While much of the attention is on Saturday's semi-final - an eagerly-anticipated Manchester derby between City and United - Sunday's showdown will see two proud clubs looking to book a return trip to Wembley on May 14. Stoke are looking to reach their first ever FA Cup final in their history and put to bed the ghost of the replay against Arsenal in their last FA Cup semi. Meanwhile Bolton have won the famous trophy 4 times the last being 53 years ago so they are just as eager as Stoke to win on Sunday.
Both teams go into this match on some recent decent form, Stoke were defeated 3-2 on their last game at Spurs but in recent weeks have held Chelsea to a 1-1 draw and also beat Newcastle 4-0 both at home. Boton won their last game 3-0 against West Ham and were unlucky in their previous game where they lost 1-0 to a late goal. Bolton are sitting 8th in the premier league and Stoke 12th respectively.
Team News
Sorensen has been a regular during Stoke's FA Cup run and manager Pulis has opted to stick with the Danish goalkeeper instead of Begovic, who has been first choice in the Premier League.
On-loan striker John Carew could come into contention following a four-match absence with a back problem and if he features, the Norway international will be looking to extend his run of eight goals in his last nine FA Cup matches.
Bolton manager Coyle will make one enforced change as on-loan striker Daniel Sturridge is ineligible.
Rodrigo and Klasnic are among the contenders to replace Sturridge, who scored a brace in the victory against West Ham last weekend.
Midfielder Mark Davies is expected to be included in the squad after returning to training following an ankle problem.
Holden, Sean Davis and Ricketts remain sidelined through injury.
A full strength Stoke should have too much for Bolton, this seasons meetings have seen each take a victory each. The meeting at the Reebok Stadium back in October saw Boton score an injury time winner in what was a tight match, in the return meeting at the Brit Stoke swept Bolton aside in a 2-0 victory in what was a very one sided match. Hopefully Stoke can continue there recent goal scoring form at Wembley to ensure they will be returing for their first ever FA Cup final next month.
Prediction: Stoke to win 1-0, Fuller coming off bench to score late winner.