The home side deserve plenty of credit for the manner in which they battled to a 2-1 victory in their last game at Aston Villa, particularly as they came from behind with a makeshift back four.
It was also the perfect response to two heavy defeats, with plenty of criticism having been aimed in their direction after the FA Cup loss to Blackburn Rovers.
Victor Moses was the man who won and converted the penalty that secured victory at Villa Park, and his presence goes some way towards making up for the absence of Bojan Krkic. The Chelsea loanee has found some consistency under Mark Hughes and will provide the Potters’ biggest threat here.
The late winner from Dame N’Doye against Queens Park Rangers could prove a critical goal as to deciding whether they will stay in the Premier League, and the January signing from Lokomotiv Moscow has made the desired impact, linking up effectively with Nikica Jelavic as well as hitting the net.
At the back, captain Curtis Davies can expect a tough afternoon against the aerial threat provided by Peter Crouch, and this duel could be key in the outcome, particularly as there have only been three goals in the last three Premier League meetings between the two sides.
Along with Bojan, skipper Ryan Shawcross and Marc Muniesa are set to miss out again for Stoke, but they should have Marc Wilson back after injury.
The away side are waiting on the fitness of Mohamed Diame, but are definitely without James Chester, Liam Rosenior and Robert Snodgrass.
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