The Tigers visit the Britannia Stadium on Saturday in need of the three points as much as the Potters, but for opposite reasons. Hull are languishing one place off the relegation zone and that is only courtesy of Leeds United’s worse goal difference. Stoke also need the three points to help claim a much prized play-off spot and the club are hoping that fans will turn out to support the club this time after a lower than expected turnout for the win against Crystal Palace on Easter Monday.
Vital Quotes:
Vincent Pericard admits this season has not been his best, but hopes that he can still be part of the final push for the play-offs. He told the official site: ‘But I am very determined to make up for it all, I am confident I have what it takes to play a big part in getting this club to where it should be – the Premiership.’
Stoke City Team News:
Stoke are hoping that Lee Hendrie will be finally declared fully fit, but are keeping their cards close to their chest in the cases of Salif Diao, Jonathan Fortune and Mama Sidibe. Dominic Matteo could play again even though he is having to have pain-killing injections before a match. Carl Dickinson may have to make to allow Andy Griffin to return in defence.
Player to watch: Lee Hendrie
It sounds as though he should be fit and raring to start.
Hull City Team News:
Jon Parkin is likely to remain on the bench as Dean Windass is preferred in attack. Nick Barmby or Steve McPhee could return from injuries as David Livermore is out after an operation on his knee.
Player to watch: Dean Windass
Windass is keeping The Beast on the bench after scoring a hat trick at the end of March against fellow strugglers, Southend. But the Tigers have not won since then, losing to Norwich and Wolves but did secured a point against Colchester last weekend.
Match Facts & Stats
Two goals from Higginbotham and Russell at either end of the match were more than enough to see off the Tigers at the KC Stadium back in November.
Ref Watch:
Andy D’Urso
Next Fixtures:
Sat 28th April: Colchester (home) kick-off: 3pm
Sun May 6th: QPR (away) kick-off: 1pm
after that…… who knows?
