Stoke vs Barnsley preview

The pre-season relegation favourites arrive at the Brit on the back on a good 2-0 win against Scunthorpe at the weekend and a better than expected start in the League, but are still looking for their first away win of the season. All the more reason for the Potters to be giving the Tykes more respect this time around after a 1-0 defeat at the Brit back in February.
The club are aiming for a good turn-out amongst fans for the first evening fixture of the season by offering reduced price tickets.

Vital Quotes:

Tony Pulis is anxious that the players are on their guard: ‘We know that if we’re not on the ball come Tuesday night we’ll get our backsides kicked so we’ve got to make sure we approach the game in the right manner.’

Stoke City Team News:

Carl Dickinson and Anthony Pulis are both still struggling with injuries picked up during training last week, but with TP trying to spread the work load up front, he may give Jon Parkin his first start in attack – past form would suggest he would replace Fuller, but some fans would, no doubt, like to see Sidibe rested in favour of the Beast. Stephen Wright, now fully fit, may be favoured over Gabby Zakuani, who played 90 minutes on Saturday after only returning from international duty on Friday. Demar Phillips is still not deemed fully fit but has been handed the number 27 shirt in preparation for his eventual debut.

Player to watch: Liam Lawrence

Lawrence has not set the Brit alight so far this season, but with numbers low in midfield, it may be that he has not yet had a chance to shine. He was taken off late in the match against Hull but is reckoned to be fully fit.

Barnsley Team News:

Captain, Paul Reid comes back from suspension after being sent off in their match against Colchester last month. On loan Rams’ defender, Lewin Nyatanga will not play after sustaining a back injury playing for Wales.

Player to watch: Brian Howard

Four goals in five games seems good for the 22 year old top scoring midfielder, but masks the fact that three have been penalties. Having said that, you still have to put them away.

Match Facts & Stats

Last season’s disappointing 1-0 defeat at the Brit came after a 2-2 draw at Oakwell this time last year. Two early goals for the Potters from Luke Chadwick and Clint Hill were canceled out by two equally late goals from Barnsley.