Stoke face a tricky trip to Leicester for Saturday’s clash against two former Potters. New Foxes’ manager, Gary Megson had been helping out his old pal, Tony Pulis at the Brit this season before landing his first management role in 18 months. Megson also appointed ex Stoke defender and one-time Boskamp side-kick, Gerry Taggart as his first team coach.
The Potters will be keen to keep their run of only one defeat in fourteen games going, especially with a vocal portion of Potters’ fans waiting for the merest slip-up from Pulis.
Vital Quotes:
Gerry Taggart is relishing the game against his old club, but is not expecting a push-over after the Foxes good Carling Cup win against Aston Villa in midweek.
‘They’re a very good team are Stoke and we’ve got to be aware of that otherwise they will turn us over.
‘You only have to look at their forward line to realise they’ve got some good pedigree up there.
‘I think their game is set up best to play away from home, they sit back, and they get nice and tight and hit you on the break, which is what we did on Tuesday.’
Leicester Team News:
Leicester’s 1-0 win at Villa Park will have given the whole club at boost after a poor start that see them in 21st place with only six points including a 2-0 defeat to Charlton last week with an ex Potter (Iwelumo) and an ex Crewe player (Varney) scoring for the Addicks. But there is no doubt that Megson will be enjoying a honeymoon period and the players will be looking to impress their new boss and is likely to stick with Tuesday’s winning eleven.
Player to watch: Matt Fryatt
The striker has only started one league game this season, but was on hand to score the winner against Villa in midweek
Stoke City Team News:
Stoke will have to juggle the defence again with Carl Dickinson struggling for fitness and Clint Hill out for up to six weeks and this could give an opportunity for new Belgium signing, Richie de Laet to make his debut. Dominic Matteo and Stephen Wright are expected to be fit after suffering slight injuries last week. The injury toll could give an opportunity for Demar Phillips as Pulis struggles to field eleven fit players. Mama Sidibe is a further doubt, so Jon Parkin could start if needed.
Player to watch: Liam Lawrence
A better performance from the midfielder last Saturday, culminating in his first goal of the season is hopefully showing that the former Black Cat is getting back into his stride as the Potters continue to struggle to get a cohesive midfield.
Match Facts & Stats
Last time out at the Brit back in March saw a great game ending 4-2 to the Potters.
Next Fixtures:
Wed 3rd October: West Brom (away) kick-off: 7.45pm
Sat 6th October: Colchester (home) kick-off: 3pm
Sat 20th October: Sheffield United (home) kick-off: 3pm
