The first Premier League meeting between the two sides should be keenly contested between both fans and players. The Brit will be full to capacity after Wolves fans bought their share up a couple of weeks ago and the home end sold out earlier this week for a fixture that has always been looked forward to.
Three former players will be making a return to the Brit. Karl Henry is now the Wolves’ skipper. Chris Iwelumo was another favourite at the Brit, but he may not take part after just recovering from a pre-season injury. Jody Craddock spent a short time on loan at the Brit in 2007 before he was recalled after just four games.
Vital Quotes:
Karl Henry stirred up local rivalries ahead of the Staffordshire derby clash as he’s keen to prove to his former boss that he’s a better player now than he was at Stoke:
‘I feel I’ve moved to a bigger club, a better club and I’m completely happy. I feel I’ve developed massively at Wolves.
‘I remember Tony Pulis referring to me as a nice passer but maybe lacking a winning mentality.
‘I’m probably going to get a fairly impartial reception’
Maybe not now……!
Link to the Express and Star
Stoke City Team News:
Mamady Sidibe is now available after recovering from injury, but we’d not expect him to start. There is speculation around whether Tuncay will make his first PL start for the Potters after comments from TP in midweek that he was now ready for a Stoke start. Thomas Sorensen will be back between the posts despite Simmo’s starring performance against Spurs last week.
Robert Huth is unavailable as he sits out the last of his three match ban and Andy Wilkinson is therefore likely to retain his place.
Player to watch: Mamady Sidibe
He could be on the bench (if he’s lucky) but fans will be pleased to see the big Mali striker back to full fitness and will be looking forward to seeing him getting on the end of those Rory Delap thrown-ins again after a seven month absence.
Wolves Team News:
Wolves striker Stefan Maierhofer can return to boss Mick McCarthy’s squad as he has served his one match ban.
On-loan Chelsea defender Michael Mancienne has recovered from illness and is also available again.
Player to watch: Karl Henry
To quote the Sentinel: ‘Who we’d like to boo!’
Match Facts & Stats
Ref Watch:
Chris Foy
Next Fixtures:
Sunday 8th Nov: Hull (away) kick-off: 1.30pm * SKY TV
Sunday 22nd Nov: Portsmouth (home) kick off: 4pm * SKY TV
