The Potters travel to Blackburn this weekend in a game that sees bpth sides in a strong position in the league.
Stoke proudly sit 9th in the Premier League and are looking to build on last weeks win over Pompey. Blackburn are just the other side of halfway in the Premier League but did lose 3-0 away to Fulham in midweek.
Stoke have an improved away record this season and have already beaten Tottenham away, whilst only losing to Hull and Liverpool on their travels. Blackburn have recently pulled away from the bottom but after losing to Fulham in midweek they will be hoping to get back on track in this game.
In the 41 matches between these sides at Blackburn, the Potters have won 6, the hosts 29 and 6 have been drawn. Last seasons clash at Ewood Park saw the game end 3-0 in the hosts favour. Stoke have failed to win any of their last 5 trips to Rovers, dating back to March 1986. Overall Rovers have won 40 times to the Potters 30.
Howard Webb is taking charge of Saturdays game. He refereed the Potters in their home loss to Manchester United in September, aswell as the home win over Blackburn last season, away draw with Villa and away win versus Hull. This is the first time Webb has reffed Rovers this seaso but, including the clash between these two at the Britannia, he reffed Rovers six times last season with two draws and four defeats for Sam Allardyce's side, scoring just three goals.
The Met Office report that there will be overcast conditions, with sunny spells, temperatures of 4 degrees celsius, average visibility and a weak 3mph wind..
Prediction: The Potters will defend resolutely and after a solid first hour, the introduction of Lawrence and Tuncay gives Stoke the extra firepower in the final third and they net a late winner against tired legs