It’s been a disappointing week for Potters fans. Defeat against Man United, although never a disaster, was a bitter pill to swallow after some dire refereeing. The cup defeat to West Ham was frustrating after leading for so long. Next up is another difficult trip to Everton who will be buoyed after beating their neighbours, Liverpool at home two week ago and earning a point at Spurs last weekend.
Vital Quotes:
If fans are concerned about where we’ll end up in the league this season, there’s no doubt that the manager is also sharing their frustrations. TP told the SCFC official site: ‘We have kept 26 clean sheets over the past two seasons, but almost a quarter of the way into this season and we only have one in the League.
‘I believe we are a more attractive side to watch, we have had more possession and we carry more of a threat going forward because by bringing in more quality players, we are trying to move on gradually. But the fact is you don’t get points for style.’
Everton Team News:
Mikel Arteta is a slight doubt after missing last weekend’s draw at Spurs with a hamstring injury, but Leon Osman is out until for a month with a ankle injury.
Player to watch: Tim Cahill
Four goals so far this season in the league. Everton seem to have shrugged off their slow start to the season and are notoriously difficult to beat at home
Stoke City Team News:
Worryingly for Stoke, Kenwyne Jones and Jermaine Pennant both picked up a ‘flu-like’ virus before the Hammers’ clash on Wednesday but even though they played in that match, we’ll have to wait and see if they recovered for Saturday.
Matty Etherington should be fit after sitting out the match against his old club after he picked up a slight injury against United last weekend
Player to watch: Tuncay
He scored the goal last weekend and runs around like a headless chicken, just as James O’Connor used to, which will always endear him to fans who like a tryer but will the manager give him a starting slot, a place on the bench or order him a taxi to take him home early?
Match Facts & Stats
Ref Watch:
Lee Probert
Next Fixtures:
Saturday 6th November: Sunderland (away) kick-off: 3pm
Tuesday 9th November: Birmingham (home) kick-off: 7.45pm
