Stoke take on local rivals West Bromwich Albion at the Britannia today in what should be labelled the game of the day, but no doubt some other muppet teams will get that honour as Stoke fly steadily under the radar of the media.
Both teams should be at pretty much full strength with Baggies boss Mowbray being able to pick Gera and Greening who have been sidelined for the last couple of weeks. WBA's away form has been pretty shocking considering they sit just in the top six of the table having gained only 9 points from 9 games on the road. Stoke in the meantime have only lost once at home so far this season. and whilst we can certainly look forward to an entertaining game, the likelihood of a WBA win is about zero.
Tony Pulis yet again has delved into the loan market, and since the last time that Stoke played at home has managed to get in two more quality players in the shape of Patrik Berger from Aston Villa, and Liam Lawrence from Sunderland. While Liam made his debut for the mighty mighty potters at last weekends 2-0 wiin at Hull, Patrik will have to sit on the bench until he comes on as a substitute to make his home debut for the club. With the suspensions of Dave Brammer and Ricci Fuller any normal week in the life of a Stoke fan would see the Manager having to make do with players that would normally just keep the bench warm.
With the never ending quality now coming into the club on the back of St Peter of Coates financial backing, Sir Tony Pulis will still be able to field a very strong Stoke team with 8 of the starting 11 having had Premiership experience.
Stoke's starting line-up is:
Steve Simonsen in goal.
Carl Hoefken...Michael Duberry...Danny Higgingbotham...Andy Griffin
Liam Lawrence...Darel Russell..Salif Diao...Lee Hendrie
Mama Sidibe & Vincent Pericard
A big crowd is expected at Fortress Britannia so get there early. and remember this is the build up to another home game against current table toppers Bardiff City on Tuesday night so get behind the chaps and make yourself heard.