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Stoke City take on old rivals Cardiff City

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Wednesday`s game comes on the back of a woeful loss for Stoke City last weekend. The 4-0 drubbing that was received on Merseyside was fully deserved.


The game against old rivals Cardiff coming only four days after that heavy defeat could be exactly what Stoke City need to bounce back to winning ways. Before Saturday`s loss, Stoke were on a run of three unbeaten games and Mark Hughes has called for the players to build on their steady home form going into the next game.


Two key players miss the game in Robert Huth and Marko Arnautovic and their importance to the team is evident in Saturday`s score line. There is fresh injury news for the Potters as Jonathan Walters is set to miss out on the starting line up for the first time since February 2011. Walters comes under a lot of criticism from the Stoke faithful and it might become apparent just how much he does for the on the pitch every game when he is out of the team.

Vital Quotes:

This will be Cardiff`s first league meeting with Stoke since Stoke`s promotion winning season of 2008 in which they lost both of their clashes against the Potters. It has surprised many just how quickly Cardiff have adapted to life in the Premier League. Blessed by a billionaire owner and a colour change from blue to red, the Welsh club have held their own since their promotion, boasting a home win over Manchester City along the way.


Malky Mackay`s decision to sign Gary Medel has proven to be a stroke of genius. The Chilean International has stood out with his stellar performances this season, most notably against the two Manchester clubs.


Though Cardiff have been lauded for their resilient performances at home, their away form is not quite so impressive. They have only managed one away win (the same number as Stoke) and that only came courtesy of a stoppage time winner at Craven Cottage.

In Robert Huth`s absence it is likely to worry Mark Hughes that Malky Mackay is not afraid to play with two strikers, something that served him well in the draw with Manchester United. Based on this I think it is unlikely that Marc Muniesa will retain his place in the side. Although, with Stoke`s centre back options so limited, your guess is as good as mine as to whom will the vacant spot.

Stoke City Team News:

No other news to report.

Player to watch: Asmir Begovic

In Huth`s absence it`s likely that the team will concede more shots. I have full faith in Begovic to put in another man of the match worthy performance.

Cardiff City Team News:

N/A

Player to watch: Gary Medel

He is an absolute rock in the middle of the park and it will be hard to remove his presence from the game.

Match Facts & Stats

Stoke managed just 3 shots on target compared to Everton`s 12 on Saturday.


The Potter`s are unbeaten in their last 3 home games.


Cardiff have picked up just 5 points from their 6 away matches this season.

Ref Watch:

Lloyd Reddin gave his opinion on Wednesday’s referee,
Michael Oliver

Match Prediction:

Though I see the game being difficult for Stoke due to the injuries that they have, I can`t see them losing here. The crowd will be right behind them when these old rivals come to town and Cardiff`s away form doesn’t look set to improve anytime soon.

2-1 to the Potters.

Next Fixtures:

Stoke host The Special One and Co. on Saturday.

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