Barnsley v Stoke preview

Stoke City head for Barnsley this weekend following a two week break, and will be hoping to stretch their unbeaten run to 5 league games.

Vital Quotes:

Tony Pulis on new signing Ricardo Fuller:

‘The Barnsley game will probably come to early for Ricardo. He’s a smashing lad and I’m looking forward to working with him.’

Barnsley Team News:

Colin Healy, who played against Stoke reserves on Wednesday, is likely to be named among the substitutes.
The Tykes will be without suspended Anthony Kay, so Bobby Hassell is expected to fill in at centre-half.

Player to watch: Paul Hayes

Hayes has scored 3 goals already this season, and the young striker will be hoping to emulate his Scunthorpe form, where he was a free scoring striker. His career highlight came at Stamford Bridge last season, when he scored against Chelsea in the FA Cup.

Stoke Team News:

New signing Ricardo Fuller will be named among the substitutes, meaning Mama Sidibe and Vincent Pericard will resume their partnership upfront.
John Eustace suffered another injury setback in the week, this time a groin injury.
Adam Rooney, who played in Stoke Reserves 3-1 win against Barnsley, is still short of match fitness.

Player to watch: Ricardo Fuller

Even though he’s unlikely to start, this will be his first game as a Potters player and is likely to feature at some stage.

Match Facts & Stats

The last time the two sides met was 6 years ago when Stoke edged Barnsley out of the League Cup at The Brit, winning 3-2 courtesy of a last minute Rikki Dadason goal.
The last time the two sides met at Oakwell was in 1996, when Barnsley convincingly won 3-0.
The head to head sees Stoke with 20 wins, Barnsley with 21 and 13 draws.