Stoke City v Bolton Wanderers
Follow every kick as Stoke City take on Bolton Wanderers at Britannia Stadium in the Premier League
on 17-Apr-2010, kick off time 15:00
Match Preview
It's a weekend to capitalise on for Bolton as the two teams surrounding them the league table face tough opposition.
Wolves travel to Europa League semi-finalists Fulham while Wigan host an Arsenal side who will be looking to banish memories of a damaging midweek defeat to local rivals Tottenham.
Stoke's Premier League status looks secure having won two and kept a clean sheet in all of their last three games. With Bolton just five points above the drop, this weekend's game looks far more important to the Trotters, although Tony Pulis will be keen for his side to maintain recent good form.
Owen Coyle will be hoping his men can take a step towards the 40-point promised land at the Britannia Stadium this weekend.
The Trotters have struggled at Stoke, however, winning just one of their last nine away trips. To add to Bolton's woes, they have lost all of their last four games without scoring a goal.
Pulis' men have been enjoying much better form. Stoke have only lost one of their last five league games, failing to score on just one occasion. In fact, in their last 14 Premier League outings, the Potters have lost just twice.
Stoke fans will be hoping this form can continue as they look to secure what would be an impressive top half finish.
In spite of their league position Stoke have managed just 98 shots on target this season, fewer than any other Premier League side, while games at the Britannia have averaged just 2.2 goals per game this season.
The Potters have gained a deserved reputation as throw-in specialists thanks to Rory Delap's regular long-distance launches, yet Stoke have actually scored fewer goals (five) from throws than their opponents (six) this weekend. Either way, there may well be an aerial bombardment at both ends in this clash.
Stoke striker Mamady Sidibe may be a doubt for Bolton's visit having suffered a groin injury in the 0-0 draw against Wolves, while central defender Ryan Shawcross misses out after suffering another foot injury during training.
Source: DSG
Source: DSG