Stoke City finally managed to secure 3 points last week with a comfortable win over Sunderland. Wes Brown ‘s red card will of course steal all of the headlines but you have to say that Stoke looked good value for their win, taking the lead before the red card was issued.
The first goal came from Charlie Adam who has found it difficult since his move to the Britannia. The problem with Adam in Stoke`s system is that he just doesn`t fit in. He can`t operate in the middle alongside N`Zonzi because he can`t make a tackle to save his life; this means that in turn Adam`s only role in the team is to replace Stephen Ireland and to play just off the striker. Adam`s consistent loss of possession is masked over by his occasional flashes of brilliance and although he bagged the goal last week, I just don`t see a place for him in the team in the long term.
The second goal came from a rejuvenated Steven N`Zonzi who has endured a tough time from the Stoke fans this season. Many cannot forgive the player who handed in a transfer request in the summer but his performance (and passionate celebration) will have gone far to heal the relationship between himself and the fans. Hughes has mentioned that he wants N`Zonzi to take on a more attacking role and this could certainly be seen in the game last week, nicely topped off with his smart finish in the 81st minute to secure the points. If he continues to perform like he did last week then I`m sure the memories of his transfer request will soon be forgotten.
The plaudits for last week win though should be aimed at Glenn Whelan who put in his finest performance in a Stoke shirt. Whelan has has often found it difficult to shine but it looks as though Hughes has finally found the right way to use the Irishman. All of his 63 passes found a team mate last week which underlines just how brilliant his performance was.
The game against Everton comes on the back of the thrilling Merseyside derby which saw the Toffees denied victory in the closing stages of the game. Everton looked good value to win the game that day thanks to two goals from Romelu Lukaku who has been a sensation since his summer loan from Chelsea. It is clear that he is the man that Stoke need to fear, especially in the absence of Robert Huth.
The absence of Huth may actually be a blessing in disguise for Stoke City. The German`s performances have been average this season and it appears that his partnership with Shawcross has suffered since Mark Hughes arrived. Perhaps a game or two on the sidelines and added competition for places can boost his performances. It is likely that Geoff Cameron or Marc Wilson will take his place as it is unlikely that Marc Muniesa will be handed his first Premier League appearance.
Stoke City will be keen to build on last week`s win having endured a 7 game run of failing to do so. It is likely that both teams will set up with a similar system with the focus being down both of the wings. Stoke are also missing their fan favourite Marko Arnautovic who is one of the first names on the team sheet. Arnie as he is more commonly known is the player who provides the flair in the squad and it is likely that Liverpool loanee Assaidi will deputise.
If you were to look at the team sheets before the game and compare the two teams it would be hard not to favour Everton to come out on top in this game, especially as both teams are likely to set up and play the game in a similar way. The ball will be kept on the floor and moved around a lot, waiting for the opposition to make a mistake. It is likely that as the away team Stoke will sit back and invite the pressure, relying on counter attacks as their main threat. This is an area where Stoke will really miss Arnautovic`s pace and the heavy burden of expectation is likely to fall on his replacement`s shoulders.
Everton Team News:
Leighton Baines is out.
Player to watch: Romelu Lukaku
He is likely to prey on Huth`s absence, whose replacement will have to be in fine form to deny the Belgian.
Stoke City Team News:
Huth and Arnautovic are both absent.
Player to watch: Glenn Whelan
Stoke`s answer to Xavi.
If he can emulate last week`s performance then the team have a real chance of coming away with something on Saturday.
Match Facts & Stats
Everton have already drawn 0-0 five times this season.
6 of Everton`s 17 goals have been from set pieces.
Both teams are yet to be issued a red card this season.
Stats courtesy of Squawka.
Ref Watch:
Lloyd Reddin again gives his view on this week’s referee, Mike Jones:
https://stoke.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=339869
Match Prediction:
I think that Everton may suffer through Leighton Baines` absence and Stoke will be dangerous on the break. I`m saying goals a plenty and the game to finish as a score draw.
2-2.
Next Fixtures:
Stoke host old rivals Cardiff on Wednesday night.
