An inform Stoke City will host 6th placed Cardiff City at the bet365 Stadium later today, with hopes of extending their 3-game winning streak.
The Potters look to have found some form and are climbing the table quickly. However, Saturday's game will be by no means easy facing a Cardiff side who find themselves on a two-game winning streak.
Here’s everything you need to know about The Potters upcoming game against The Bluebirds…
Team News
Despite numerous faces returning to the team sheet after recovering from various injuries, there are
still some slight worries regarding The Potters’ starting eleven.
This is due to Ben Pearson coming off the pitch with what seemed to be an injury he picked up
before the game. Pearson mainly plays the holding role for Stoke and is vital in Alex Neil’s current system.
With Pearson being injured focus would normally turn to Jordan Thompson as the replacement. However, Thompson will be suspended due to picking up too many yellow cards.
As a result, this could see Josh Laurent move into the hold and see Burger return to the starting
eleven to play Laurent’s more advanced role.
Predicted Starting XI against Cardiff:
(GK) Bonham, Stevens, McNally, Rose, Hoever, Laurent, Burger, Johnson, Haksabanovic, Leris, Gayle
The Manager
Despite only coming in this Summer from Turkish side Gaziantep FK Erol Bulut has had almost instant impact since joining.
Bulut focuses on overloading the midfield by using inverted wingbacks. This allows Cardiff to play
fluidly and allows midfielders such as Ralls to have plenty of options without making long-range
pinpoint passes.
This allows the attackers to concentrate on making runs in behind the opposition's defence due to them not having to focus thoroughly on their defensive duties as the midfield is solid.
Due to the solidity in the midfield, it allows Cardiff to dominate possession in important areas of the
pitch.
Head-to-Head
Stoke has been the most successful team overall, winning 21, drawing 14 and losing 18.
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