With the Potters still on target for at least a play-off place, every game becomes a ‘must-win’ and the annual trip to our South Staffs’ neighbours is certainly no exception. The Potters will be taking a sell-out crowd of over 2,500 on the short trip south. After Saturday there is the treat of three home games in eleven days so a win on Saturday would set the Potters up perfectly for an assault on a top two place.
Vital Quotes:
Tony Pulis admits that no game is easy. He told the official site: ‘We know it is going to be another tough game on Saturday and it’s got the added spice of being one of our local derbies,’ said Pulis.
‘Hopefully the crowd will really be able to get behind the lads, we really want them to be our extra man for the rest of this season and they can start by showing up all the Wolves fans on Saturday.
‘If we can get a result at Wolves on Saturday that would put us on a massive high for the three following home games.’
Wolves Team News:
Wolves will look to give a debut to their new signing, defender George Elokobi who was signed from Colchester. They also have Sylvan Ebanks-Blake available, who was signed from Argyle during January, but will be without Michael Kightly, who is injured and Seyi Olofinjana, who has been given leave following his return from the African Cup.
Player to watch: Kevin Kyle
With seven centre forwards now available for selection, it’s amazing that their top scorer (Keogh) only has six goals as they’ve again underperformed this season. With Kyle joining from Coventry along with Ebanks-Blake – on paper, at least – they look dangerous.
Stoke City Team News:
New captain, Andy Griffin and Richard Cresswell will both be absent after picking up one and two match bans respectively for yellow cards. Salif Diao is likely to keep his midfield starting position whilst Gaby Zakuani will be drafted into the defence for Griffin. New signings, Both Glenn Whelan and Paul Gallagher will be looking for their first start to replace the suspended Cresswell.
Player to watch: Salif Diao
Salif had a slow first half last week for his first start this season, but seemed to pick up in the 45 minutes and should be able to move up a further gear at Wolves as he builds up to full match fitness.
Match Facts & Stats
The match at the Brit back on September 1st saw a goalless draw, one of the only seven clean sheets that we’ve kept all season.
Next Fixtures:
Tuesday 12th Feb: Southampton (home) kick-off: 7.45pm
Friday 15th Feb: Scunthorpe (home) kick-off: 7.45pm
Saturday 23rd Feb: Ipswich (home) kick-off: 3pm
