Stoke City end their enforced mini-break with a trip to South East London and a visit to Charlton Athletic on Tuesday night. The Addicks lie just behind the Potters and three points off, so this is yet another six pointer that the Potters could do with winning if they’re going to keep up with the top three.
Former Burnley top scorer, Andy Gray, has been signed in a £1.5m deal and is set to make his first start, which may be at the expense of former Potter, Chris Iwelumo.
Let’s just hope that the former Claret, who has hit 11 goals this season, takes a match or two to regain his form.
Salif Diao is likely to make his first start since re-signing last month. Andy Wilkinson is out for two to four weeks after a double hernia operation but we do now have cover with Andy Griffin.
The ten day break should have revitalised Ric, who was distinctly under-par for the last match against Preston.
Stoke came back from a goal down in the first home match of the season back in August and went on to win 2-1 with Jon Parkin and Ricardo Fuller both on target
Saturday 2nd Feb: Cardiff (home) kick-off: 12.30pm ** note revised kick-off **
Saturday 9th Feb: Wolves (away) kick-off: 3pm
Tuesday 12th Feb: Southampton (home) kick-off: 7.45pm