Home » Teams » Stoke City » Diouf and Afobe to lead the line – Predicted 4-4-2 Stoke XI to face Wigan Athletic in the Championship

Diouf and Afobe to lead the line – Predicted 4-4-2 Stoke XI to face Wigan Athletic in the Championship

Predicted Stoke City line-up to face Wigan Athletic in the Championship

Stoke City haven’t made the best of starts to their Championship campaign with Gary Rowett’s side mustering one loss and two draws in the opening three games. The Potters are currently winless and sit 18th on the table.

The Potters take on another mid-table side in the form of Wigan Athletic. Paul Cook’s team will make the trip to the Bet365 Stadium as they look for the first win since the opening day victory against Sheffield Wednesday.

Team News

Gary Rowett has no injury issues at the moment but his team have failed to click in the final third. The manager must start a strong and attacking line-up against Wigan Athletic.

All players are fit after their last game and should be fit to start. Slight changes could be made in order to keep the squad fresh.

Probable Stoke XI

Manager: Gary Rowett

Formation: 4-4-2

Jack Butland (GK)

Though Butland has failed to hit the heights of last two seasons, he will definitely prove to be a massive asset for the Potters this season. Should start in goal.

Jack Butland

Moritz Bauer (RB)

Bauer was rested for the game against Preston and should return to the line-up for this game. His marauding runs down the right flank were missed in the 2-2 stalemate.

Ryan Shawcross (CB)

Shawcross hasn’t lived up to his standards so far but will nevertheless be a vital man at the back for Gary Rowett.

Ashley Williams (CB)

Signing the Toffees man on loan was a brilliant move by Rowett. He’s a committed and agile defender who will definitely tighten the screws at the back.

Erik Pieters (LB)

Though Pieters’ defensive work hasn’t been up to the mark, he has proven his quality going forward. The left-back picked up a goal against Preston last game.

Bojan (RM)

Bojan’s dribbling and silkiness on the ball will provide Stoke City with some cutting edge in the final third. The former Barcelona man should start ahead of Ince in this game.

Darren Fletcher (RCM)

Age is starting to take its toll on the Scottish midfielder but he possesses the experience and provides Stoke with some much-needed stability in the middle of the park.

Joe Allen (LCM)

The former Liverpool midfielder’s game on the ball is very underrated. An accurate passer, Allen possesses the ability to pick any pass in the final third.

Joe Allen

James McClean (LM)

McClean is known for his devastating runs down the flank. The former West Bromwich Albion midfielder possesses a gem of a left foot capable of whipping in dangerous crosses into the box.

Benik Afobe (ST)

The Congo international has scored 2 goals in 3 games for the Potters and seems to be in good form going into this game.

Read more: Impressive Fletcher, average Shawcross – The best and the worst-rated Stoke City players vs Preston North End

Mame Biram Diouf (ST)

Diouf was rested for the game against Preston and should start ahead of Saido Berahino. The latter just hasn’t been the same player that he once was and doesn’t deserve to start.