Just 72 hours after that defeat at Wembley the Potters are set to play Man City all over again – this time in the League. It’s going to be a difficult atmosphere for both the Stoke team and the travelling fans with the home fans sure to make the most of their win, but at least we won’t have endure the sight of the cup being paraded around with the news that it will not be on display before or after the match.
Stoke fans will be hoping that we can get this match out of way as quickly as possible – a win over the Champions League side would be a fantastic result, especially as the blue half of Manchester are gunning for the Gunners and third place in the League.
Vital Quotes:
Tony Pulis knows that he’s got a difficult task to get the players’ spirits back up in just two working days. ‘It’s important now that we don’t fall away in the final two games,’ he told the official site. ‘We have a very difficult game against City, but then the players will want to put on a big performance against Wigan at the Britannia Stadium next Sunday to show their appreciation to the supporters for their part in the success that we have achieved this season.’
Man City Team News:
Both sides look like rotating their starting elevens, despite both being keen to finish higher in the league. Adam Johnson and James Milner could earn recalls after missing out on a starting spot in the win over Stoke.
Player to watch: Yaya Toure
We don’t need reminding that he scored the winner on Saturday, let’s hope he doesn’t repeat the feat at Eastlands
Stoke City Team News:
Matty Etherington and Robert Huth may well be rested along with several others as Tony Pulis looks forward to a good finish against relegation-threatened Wigan at the Brit on Sunday afternoon. Thomas Sorensen is one who will find himself back on the bench with the FA Cup hero making way for the return of our normal league keeper, Asmir Begovic.
Player to watch: Ryan Shawcross
Tony Pulis will be hoping that his skipper can inspire the players by picking himself and the rest up from the obvious disappointment on Saturday and go out and get a result.
Match Facts & Stats
Ref Watch:
Lee Probert
Next Fixtures:
Sunday 22nd May: Wigan (home) kick-off: 4pm – Live on Sky TV
