Predicted Stoke City line-up to face Sheffield United in the Championship
After showing an improved performance over the last few weeks, Stoke City succumbed to a 1-0 loss to Birmingham City. The Potters now come up against an in-form Sheffield United side who are defying all the odds this season.
Only Middlesbrough are above Sheffield in the table due to their superior goal difference. Gary Rowett will want a renewed performance from his men and has a chance to take 3 vital points.
Team News
Oghenekaro Etebo is still not ready and is a major doubt for this game. Apart from the long-term absentees, the Potters have no real immediate concerns in their squad.
Probable Stoke City XI
Manager: Gary Rowett
Formation: 4-1-4-1
Jack Butland (GK)
Though not the same goalkeeper that took the Premier League by storm, Butland will keep his place in goal.
Cuco Martina (RB)
Martina has looked better after making the loan switch from Everton this season.
Ryan Shawcross (CB)
The centre-back was rested for the last game and should return to the line-up for this one in place of Ashley Williams.
Martins Indi (CB)
Martins Indi looks a lot better when partnered alongside Ryan Shawcross.
Erik Pieters (LB)
Pieters needs to improve on his work rate and defending. He seems to be having trouble down the left flank.
Darren Fletcher (CM)
Fletcher should come into the side in place of Woods and deputise in the middle of the park.
Tom Ince (RM)
Ince has been superb over the last few weeks and his incisive passes could do the trick for the Potters in this game.
Bojan (RCM)
Though not his preferred position, Bojan is still capable of putting in a good shift in central midfield.
Joe Allen (LCM)
Allen’s distribution is second to none in this squad and that’s exactly why he will start this game.
James McClean (LM)
Stoke will be glad to have McClean back from injury. His raids down the left flank have been very good.
Benik Afobe (ST)
Afobe needs to start scoring on a more consistent basis in order to take Stoke back to the top.
