Stoke aim to push aside Walsall to get into the 5th round draw of the FA Cup for the first time in three years and get back into scoring ways at the same time.
Vital Quotes:
Paul Merson, Walsall’s player/manager, hopes that the Stoke fans will help him, he told the Sentinel: ‘If we can keep them quiet for 20 minutes, the crowd could start to turn…’
I think he’ll find that Stoke fans are made of sterner stuff!
Stoke City Team News:
Darel Russell is still out with a knee injury, but Dave Brammer will return after his groin injury. Sam Bangoura is still off on international duty.
Player to watch: Luke Chadwick
After his disappointing penalty kick against Hull last weekend, lets hope he is determined to make amends and that the whole team are up for this very important game
Walsall Team News:
Merson and Devlin are out injured. After their midweek LDV defeat let’s hope that Walsall are feeling a bit jaded. They’ve also just lost their leading goal scorer, Matt Fryatt, to Leicester.
Player to watch: Mads Timms
Timms, a 21 year old Dane, has arrived on loan from Manchester United. Only played twice for the Saddlers, but has already notched up a goal
Match Facts & Stats
Stoke have not met Walsall in the Cup since 1966. The last time we faced them in the League was 2 years ago, when we won 3-2. They were later condemned to relegation after Gillingham had drawn with Stoke on the last day to survive.
Ref Watch:
Keith Stroud
Match Prediction:
Its the cup and it’s time that the Potters bounced back with a convincing 3-1 win.
Next Fixtures:
Saturday 4th February: Preston North End (Home) 3pm
