Stoke City entertain Portsmouth at the Brit today and will be determined to put the late defeat at Hull well behind them as they face the club propping up of the foot of the Premier League. But Pompey are by no means certain relegation candidates as our second string will testify after being thumped 4-0 in the Carling Cup at Fratton Park a few weeks ago. This time around Portsmouth will be hard pressed to recognise anyone from that night and now’s just the time settle a score (or 4)
Vital Quotes:
Tony Pulis was pleased by Tuncay’s attitude after the substitute was himself subbed at Hull after just seven minutes:
‘He had a right to be disappointed, and if it had been me as a player I’d have been just as angry however much I knew it was the right thing for the team.
‘To be honest if he’d just walked off and clapped the crowd with a big smile I’d have been far more worried.
‘I’d be sat in my office afterwards thinking, ‘He’s shown no reaction, does he really care?’
Stoke City Team News:
Abdoulaye Faye is suspended for one match after that disastrous final ten minutes at Hull. Mamady Sidibe is again sidelined after picking up another injury. Glenn Whelan and Liam Lawrence are doubtful after their World Cup disappointment in Paris for Ireland. Whelan picked up a groin strain during that match.
Player to watch: Ricardo Fuller
Ric is still without a goal this season, but has still shown his usual sparkle which you’d expect would earn himself some reward before too long. On the downside he’s now just short of an automatic one match ban for five yellow cards, so a spell on the sidelines is not going to be too far away.
Portsmouth Team News:
Portsmouth have several injury doubts including Aruna Dindane. Several other squad members will be assessed after being away on international duty.
Hermann Hreidarsson could return after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Player to watch: David James
He’s still a good keeper as he approaches 40 and virtually guaranteed a place in England’s World Cup squad.
Match Facts & Stats
Next Fixtures:
Sat 28th Nov: Blackburn (away) kick-off: 3pm
sat 5th Dec: Arsenal (away) kick-off: 3pm
