It’s time to get one over on Bolton after two consecutive 2-1 defeats against the Trotters and Tony Pulis is looking for a positive response after we failed to finish off Cardiff last week in the FA Cup.
Vital Quotes:
TP told the official site: ‘We’ve played exceptionally well in our last three games against them, indeed I think our performance at the Reebok this season was as good as we’ve played away from home this season. But they’ve had this habit of nicking late goals against us.
‘We were dominant in the game at their place in October and I can still see Dean Whitehead bursting through for what should have been our second goal. Then, they score in the 93rd minute, having not had much of the play in the build up to that.’
Stoke City Team News:
There should be no injury concerns for the Potters with only Gudjohnsen a cause for concern after hurting his neck (and when has he ever started in any case?). Mamady Sidibe is still out, but there was some positive news with TP revealing that he’s trained with the squad this week and is hoping to give him a run out in a reserve match soon.
Player to watch: Tuncay
The perennial question for Tunny is whether he’ll be allowed to start. He doubled his goal tally last weekend but seems to have spent the time away from the pitch setting up a neat little website to ‘market himself’ according to some of the more cynical media hacks. Have a look for yourself: www.tuncaysanli17.com
Bolton Team News:
Injuries abound at the Trotters with Steinsson (knee), Holden (thigh) and Klasnic (groin) all doubts. Chung-Yong Lee is away on international duty, whilst Davis, O’Brien (both knee), Gardner (thigh) and Samuel (calf) are all injured.
Player to watch: Johan Elmander
The 29 year old Swedish international has been firing away with nine goals in the league (10 in total).
Match Facts & Stats
Ref Watch:
Michael Oliver is in the middle, but still keep an eye on the fourth official as it’s Peter Walton who failed to give us a penalty at Bolton earlier this season when Zac Knight blatantly handled the ball.
Next Fixtures:
Tuesday 18th Jan: Cardiff (away) kick-off: 7.45pm (FA Cup replay – live on theFA.com)
Saturday 22nd Jan: Fulham (away) kick-off: 3pm
