Huth set to return following suspension

Robert Huth is set to return to the Stoke starting line-up against Everton after a three game absence through suspension.

The German centre half was forced to sit out of Stoke`s fixtures against West Ham United, Newcastle United and West Bromwich Albion after the F.A. took retrospective action against the 27-year-old after he was seen striking Fulham`s centre half Phillips Senderos.

The referee didn`t see the incident during game which allowed the F.A. to use video evidence to charge Huth.

Manager Tony Pulis is ecstatic that he has the big German is available again.

He told Stoke`s official site: “He is a fantastic player, and is a hugely influential figure here for us.

“He has a fantastic partnership with [fellow central defender] Ryan [Shawcross], and the two of them have been brilliant for us over the last few years.

“It`s great to have him available again because we have missed his presence on the pitch in the last few games .”

Huth is likely to replace Marc Wilson at centre half, which will trigger a defensive reshuffle, although Pulis will have to wait to see the fitness of his international stars.

Marc Wilson, Glenn Whelan and brace hero Jonathan Walters played in both of Republic of Ireland`s fixtures, whilst Charlie Adam travelled to Serbia with Scotland. Pulis` biggest worry is the fitness of American duo Geoff Cameron and Brek Shea, who played in Mexico on Tuesday night, whilst Kenwyne Jones mammoth return from Peru was delayed.

“It`s one of those weeks where you find yourself glued to the television, watching and praying that the lads who are away all come through the games unscathed,” he continued.

“We had nine or ten of them away, including two who were playing in Mexico City just 36 hours ago. It is tough and it is hard for them to go away and play and then travel back.”

The likely starting eleven for the late Saturday night kick off is:

Begovic
Cameron Huth Shawcross Wilson
Walters Whelan Nzonzi Etherington
Jerome Crouch