The Potters entertain PNE at the Brit this weekend as they attempt to break the visitors’ 21 game unbeaten run. Stoke ran out 1-0 victors against Preston earlier in the season at Deepdale.
Vital Quotes:
Johan Boskamp is hopeful that things will pick up now after Stoke’s good cup run: ‘The big thing is maybe we have our confidence back now and now we can prove that against Preston on Saturday. We have a lot of games left and we can still take a lot of points. For that we hope the confidence is back after the FA Cup win and we need a win.’
Stoke City Team News:
Dave Brammer and Kevin Harper are still out injured. But Darel Russell is hoping for a place in the squad after starting training this week.
Sam Bangoura is still off in Egypt but could be back soon after Guinea were knocked by Senegal in the Quarter Finals.
Player to watch: Luke Chadwick
As long as he’s fit, he’s a threat.
Preston North End Team News:
Preston have no new injury worries and come to the Potteries full of confidence after a good unbeaten run.
Player to watch: Brett Ormerod
After signing from Southampton in the January transfer window, he scored in his debut earlier this week against Crystal Palace.
Match Facts & Stats
In the 89 league meetings between two of the oldest clubs in the Football League, the honours are just in Preston’s favour with 39 wins against the Potter’s 32 wins with 18 games ending in a draw.
Next Fixtures:
Saturday 11th February: Cardiff City (away) 3pm kickoff
Tuesday 14th February: Plymouth Argyle (home) 7:45pm kickoff
