Stoke City welcome Derby County to the Bet365 Stadium This Afternoon as they search for a welcome 3 points after a midweek draw with Cardiff.
Stoke have had their injury list extended after midweek as Steven Fletcher and Tashan Oakley Boothe join the never ending list but MON is optimistic that the international break will see the returns of James McClean, Sam Clucas, Steven Fletcher & Morgan Fox to full fitness.
Last time out, Derby & Stoke played out a 0-0 draw at Pride Park which was very much a drab fixture so I'm sure both sides will be hoping for more energy and chances in the game today.
Derby will be without defender Curtis Davies, midfielder Krystian Bielik & winger Jordan Ibe whilst Lee Gregory will be ineligible to play against his parent club. Colin Kazim-Richards is also increasingly doubtful according to Derbyshire Live as he is currently struggling with a hip injury.
Both teams have their injury woes and this could lead to another turgid affair but Michael O Neill and the rest of the Stoke team will be hoping it goes in their favour.
Stoke will have to make a change to their team for the game as Fletcher is out due to concussion protocols so this could present an opportunity for young striker Christian Norton to start although we'd probably expect Sam Vokes or Jacob Brown to start - if recent team news is to be believed.
Predicted Stoke City Starting XI:
Davies, Souttar, Batth, Chester, Smith, Allen, Thompson, Mikel (C), Norrington-Davies, Powell, Brown
Watch MON's full press conference below:
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