Stoke City aim to stretch their unbeaten run to 6 League games tonight against Paul Sturrock’s Sheffield Wednesday. City came in for heavy criticism on Saturday after surrendering a 2 goal lead at Barnsley, and will be hoping to come away with 3 points tonight.
Manager Quotes:
Stoke boss Tony Pulis on Ricardo Fuller, who is yet to make his Potters debut:
‘We don’t want to risk losing him for longer due to his hamstring injury. We’re hoping he’ll be right for Saturday at home to Burnley.
Paul Sturrock, Sheffield Wednesday boss:
‘I’m going to change things around because we’ve got to win football games. They’ll be instructed to go out in a more attacking mindset.
Sheffield Wednesday Team News:
Summer signing Wade Small may return to the bench after missing the last 3 games with a hamstring injury.
Former Crewe midfielder Kenny Lunt could also earn a recall to the starting line-up, as could Lee Bullen and Chris Brunt.
Player to watch: Kenny Lunt
The former Crewe man will be hoping to impress for his new club against his former teams rivals tonight.
Stoke City Team News:
John Eustace could be a surprise started after shaking off an injury. Marlon Broomes, Lewis Buxton and Andy Wilkinson are all out, and Tony Pulis won’t gamble Ricardo Fuller, however he may be on the bench.
Andy Griffin will continue at right-back at the expense of Carl Hoefkens.
Sammy Bangoura trained yesterday, however Pulis’ plans are unknown for the striker.
Player to watch: Luke Chadwick
‘Chadders’ has scored 2 goals already so far this season, and will be hoping to add to that tally tonight.
Match Facts & Stats
Wednesday edge the head to head battle with 35 wins to Stoke’s 31, with the side sharing 19 draws.
Last season Stoke won 2-0 in this fixture, thanks to Bangoura and Sidibe strikes.
Next Fixtures:
Sat 16/09/06 Burnley Home 3pm
Sat 23/09/06 Wolves Away 3pm
Sat 30/09/06 Preston Home 3pm
