The Potters return to League action on Saturday with their first Championship game of the year and will be eager to make sure that Wolves are not able to do the double over them after being beaten 2-0 at Molineux back in September.
The club are hoping for another good turnout from fans with another 20,000+ expected.
Vital Quotes:
Current Wolves captain, Karl Henry realises that they are in for a stiff test at the Brit: ‘I’m really looking forward to going back although I don’t quite know what sort of reception I’ll get.
‘I’m still in regular contact with two or three of the lads there and, to be honest, the team has really turned things round.
‘They were really struggling early on but they’ve put a terrific run together just lately. I think they have won nine out of the last 12 and they are just above us in the League.
Stoke City Team News:
Salif Diao will make his final appearance of his loan spell and fans will be hoping that a permanent deal can be sorted out soon. It was hoped that Andy Griffin would be making his first start as a full Stoke player, but a last minute injury to Pompey’s Glen Johnson has held up the transfer deal, but the club are hopefully it can be resolved next week.
Player to watch: Salif Diao
Salif has proved an inspiration and has rebuffed his many Anfield critics, but Liverpool are still keen to offload him during January. Let’s hope the Potters can be the beneficiaries.
Wolves Team News:
Wolves lie just two points below the Potters but are suffering with some injury problems. Jay Boothroyd is still out, as are Jody Craddock and Lewis Gobern but they expect to have Gary Breen and Jackie McNamara fit.
Player to watch: Karl Henry
Former Stoke player, Karl Henry is looking forward to his first return to the Brit since leaving last summer and will return wearing the Captain’s armband having proving to Mick McCarthy what a good player he is – a fact that many Stoke fans have known for years, but was never given the chance when playing in the red and white stripes.
Match Facts & Stats
Wolves have had mixed fortunes over Christmas with two wins, a defeat and one draw and only managed a 2-2 draw with Oldham in the Cup last weekend.
Next Fixtures:
Sat 20th Jan: Preston (away) kick-off: 3pm
Sat 27th Jan: Leicester or Fulham (FAC – away) to be confirmed
Tue 30th Jan: Ipswich (home) kick-off: 7.45pm
