Stoke will aim to make it a record six clean sheets against Coventry City at the Ricoh Arena and also extend their winning run to six matches which, coincidentially, began with the 1-0 victory against the Sky Blues at the Brit less than a month ago.
With the club and fans still on a high after Tuesday’s emphatic 3-0 win against Cardiff, Stoke will take over 1,500 fans with them down the M6.
Vital Quotes:
Tony Pulis has come out in support of Vincent Pericard, whose 50th minute substitution in favour of goal scorer, Ricardo Fuller turned the game for Stoke on Tuesday: ‘Vincent has had a bad knee and although he wasn’t having the best of times on Tuesday, he put in a lot of effort and tired their centre-halves, so there was more space when Ricardo came on.’
Coventry City Team News:
Clive Clarke, on loan from Sunderland, will have to endure his third game against Stoke within two months. He will play alongside former Potters player, Marcus Hall. Coventry have no new injury worries, but striker, Kevin Kyle is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card.
Player to watch: Dele Adebola
He has scored in Coventry’s last two games against QPR and Preston.
Stoke City Team News:
Pulis has hinted that he will start with Ricardo Fuller which will probably see Pericard drop to the bench. Liam Lawrence is a possible doubt after picking up a thigh strain. Danny Higginbotham has also been troubled with a thigh strain for a few weeks now, but is still expected to play.
Player to watch: Ricardo Fuller
Should be raring to go on his first start since his sending off in the previous game against the Sky Blues at the Britannia.
Match Facts & Stats
Whilst the last game against Coventry is still fresh in everyone’s minds even if it was a bit foggy, last season’s first visit to the Ricoh back in November 2005 saw the Potters earn a 2-1 win
Next Fixtures:
Sat 9th Dec: QPR (home) kick-off: 3pm
Sat 18th Dec: Colchester (away) kick-off: 3pm
Sat 23rd Dec: Ipswich (away) kick-off: 3pm
