Stoke City face a tough trip to Kenilworth Road this Saturday, with Belgian international Carl Hoefkens the main injury worry after limping out of Belgiums 0-0 draw with Kazakhstan.
The Potters will need Michael Duberry and Clint Hill, both colossuses so far this season, on top of their game against a Luton team who have won 2 of their first 3 games.
Vital Quotes:
Tony Pulis on Carl Hoefkens injury scare:
‘Carl hobbled off with a knee injury on Wednesday and we’re hoping he’ll be ok. We’ll get him checked out on Friday. To lose him through injury would be a big blow, because the defence has been solid so far.’
Mike Newell on Stoke:
‘They’re a big side and will be tough to beat. They have a different manager now and we all know what a Tony Pulis side will be about.’
Luton Town Team News:
Mike Newell will be looking for a good response from his side after letting a 2-0 lead slip at Norwich last week, eventually losing 3-2.
Newell is looking to add three new faces before the August 31st deadline, and former Swindon striker Sam Parkin is a known target.
Luton have injury doubts over 5 players, defender Markus Heikkinen, midfielders Lewis Emanuel, Steve Robinson and Carlos Edwards, and forward Warren Feeney.
Player to watch: Rowan Vine
Highly rated by the Luton faithful, Vine will keep the Potters defence on their toes on Saturday afternoon. Vine netted 10 goals 31 appearances last season, and has a knack of scoring spectacular goals, like last week’s 30 yard beauty at Norwich.
Stoke City Team News:
Carl Hoefkens is the main injury doubt after hobbling off in the second-half while playing for Belgium on Wednesday.
If Hoefkens doesn’t make it, boss Tony Pulis will have a headache at right-back. Usual replacements Lewis Buxton, Marlon Broomes and Andy Wilkinson are still injured so Pulis will have to reshuffle his back four.
Danny Higginbotham is also doubtful, but likely to be deemed fit enough to face The Hatters.
Adam Rooney, Kevin Harper, John Eustace and Sammy Bangoura are all still some way off a starting place.
Player to watch: Mama Sidibe
‘Big Mama’ was excellent on Saturday against Birmingham, and the Mali striker is due a goal. Nobody can fault his general play – but it’s time Sidibe found the net again, and he’ll be hoping to do so against Luton.
Match Facts & Stats
2 last gasp strikes saw Stoke secure 2 rather fortuitous victories against Luton last season, 2-1 at home and 3-2 away.
The head to head record sees Stoke with 16 wins, Luton with 10, and 12 draws.
Luton last beat Stoke in this fixture in February 2000 when Phil Gray scored both goals in the Hatters’ 2-1 win.
Next Fixtures:
Tuesday 22nd August: League Cup V Darlington (away) Kick-off 7.45pm
Saturday 26th August: League V Plymouth (home) Kick-off 3pm
Saturday 9th September: League V Barnsley (away) Kick-off 3pm
