Intrepid Stoke fans will again attempt the trip up to deepest Lancashire on Tuesday night when, weather again permitting, the postponed New Year’s Day match will take place.
Burnley had to also cancel another game on Saturday against Norwich City due to the state of the pitch and are also having to rehouse visiting supporters in the Jimmy McIlroy stand due to storm damage, but it’s still not certain that this match will go ahead as the ground is reported to be still heavily waterlogged.
Vital Quotes:
Potters’ manager, Tony Pulis was reported to be incandescent with rage after Stoke let a two goal margin slip before finally losing 3-2 to Preston at the weekend. He told the Sentinel: ‘If we are going to have aspirations for finishing as high as we can, then players have got to enjoy being 2-0 up and enjoy defending.
‘I don’t know whether they tightened up, froze or became complacent. But to concede three goals in less than 45 minutes, I’m distraught.
‘Words cannot describe just how angry and disappointed I am – and I hope it’s the same for the players.’
A good win at Turf Moor and all will be forgotten ……..
Burnley Team News:
Former Stoke favourite, Ade Akinbiyi has now returned to Turf Moor after his year’s ‘sabbatical’ at Sheffield United and has already made it back on the score sheet in the Clarets’ 3-2 defeat in the FA Cup at Reading.
They need to turn their season around quickly as they are without a win since the end of November, but few Stoke fans will be shedding any tears at Steve Cotterill’s misfortune.
Player to watch: Ade Akinbiyi
Ade will be out to prove on his home debut that he was worth bringing back to Turf Moor.
Stoke City Team News:
Ricardo Fuller is available again after his one match suspension and should spearhead a Stoke side with a lot to prove after throwing it all away on Saturday. The manager may be forced to ring the changes and rest some players with the FA Cup tie with Fulham looming at the weekend.
Player to watch: Steve Simonsen
Tony Pulis lay the blame for two of Saturday’s goals at the keeper’s door and a good performance from the normally reliable stopper will help to banish those blues.
Match Facts & Stats
The Potters lost the first round at the Brit back in September by a goal scored in the first minute of the match.
Next Fixtures:
Sat 27th Jan: Fulham (FA Cup – away) kick-off: 3pm
Tue 30th Jan: Ipswich Town (home) kick-off: 7.45pm
Sat 3rd Feb: Southend (home) kick-off: 3pm
