Real Football Man All of the Football, All of the time
Stoke defender Geoff Cameron and midfielder Stephen Ireland are doubtful after missing the FA Cup match against Doncaster because of injury.
Manager Mark Hughes is expected to recall his established players, having made nine changes for Saturday’s game.
Matt Jarvis is in line for his first Norwich appearance since October after recovering from a knee injury.
New signing Ivo Pinto will not be considered for action while he is being integrated into the squad.
Editor’s Note: Stoke are having the definition of a mid table season, 10th in the League just about winning more than they are losing and having a Goal Difference of 0. Mark Hughes will no doubt be happy with being in the top half of the table but with the squad he has now and the performances they have shown he has every right to think they could be in a higher position.
Last weekend Stoke made a few changes and in fairness were made to work for their cup win over Doncaster Rovers but now the focus shifts back to the League and the visit of Norwich City. Last time out in the League Stoke lost away to West Brom 2-1 in a game where the incorrect sending off of Geoff Cameron, that said they probably should have had seen the game out but a late goal from Johnny Evans meant they went home empty handed.
In that game their attacking trio of Bojan, Arnautovic, Shaqiri were very quiet maybe it’s got to the point that Stoke play better against more expansive sides to allow these three to play at their best, this is testament of the change of style that Mark Hughes has managed to engineer without sacrificing results
Tonight they play host to a Norwich side who are fresh off of two home league wins over Aston Villa and Southampton, although they were well beaten on Saturday in the F.A. Cup at home to Manchester City. Alex Neil made many changes on Saturday but was unapologetic for making the Premier League his main priority this season, expect The Canaries to resemble more of a full strength line up this evening.
I think Stoke should return to winning ways tonight and halt Norwich’s winning streak. Both teams do try and play decent Football and I think this will play into the hands of Bojan and Shaqiri. A home win for me
