Stoke vs Saints preview

The Potters are hoping that their BOGOF deal will mean that the crowd tops 20,000 for the two home games this week, starting with Tuesday night’s visit of Southampton to the Brit. Certainly there’s a buzz about the city after the great win at Wolves on Saturday, but that win will be for nothing if the Potters can’t capitalise on a run of three home games in eleven days.

Vital Quotes:

Pulis is urging the fans to take advantage of the deals on offer and get down to the Brit. ‘We need them in numbers and noise for every home game now, beginning with Southampton, and I’m sure they won’t let us down.’

Stoke City Team News:

New captain, Andy Griffin is back in contention after his one match ban, but Richard Cresswell will have to sit out the final game of his two match ban. Ric Fuller should start after having to make do with a place on the bench. Ric was suffering from jet-lag after arriving back from Jamaica just 24 hours before the Wolves’ match – but still went on to score a 90th minute goal at Molineux.

Player to watch: Liam Lawrence

Lawrence has been in great form this term, scoring his tenth goal of the season on Saturday

Southampton Team News:

With Southampton still without a permanent manager since George Burley left to coach the Scottish national team, their only league win this year has been a home win to relegation strugglers, Scunthorpe.
Former Potter, Wayne Thomas now plies his trade on the South Coast, but he is struggling with an Achilles injury and is regarded as doubtful. Saints’ captain, Youssef Safri is out as he starts a four match ban after being sent off last Saturday for the second time this season.

Player to watch: Stern John

Stern John joined the Saints from Sunderland last summer in the deal which saw former Stoke loanee, Kenwyne Jones move to Wearside. He has scored eleven goals so far this season.