After having the leveller quite late in the game against West Ham United, Stoke City will try to avoid any such risks when they host Bournemouth in a tricky home fixture. Stoke have come back to winning ways in their last few matches and with most of the first team players returning, they are aiming for a top half finish at bare minimum this season.
The Potters are currently 12th, just one place above Bournemouth. Mark Hughes’ side have won both of their fixtures against the Cherries last season scoring five goals. Bournemouth’s last win against Stoke came in 1991 and the Potters have kept 5 clean sheets in their last 7 matches against Bournemouth, so they will perhaps start as slight favourites for the clash.
Although Bournemouth have played quite well this season, they are yet to win a game in November. Stoke City, on the other hand, are the third team to collect the most number of points (11) since October after Chelsea and Liverpool.
Defence
Mark Hughes will have a huge boost in Glen Johnson who has returned from an injury and the gaffer is expected to make changes in the lineup. The back four Hughes has been deploying are Erik Pieters, Bruno Martins Indi, Ryan Shawcross and Phil Bardsley and we expect Johnson to take Bardsley’s place in the right back position as he could really offer more threat on the flank.
Hughes is likely to deploy Shawcross and Martins Indi at the heart of his defence. Lee Grant is expected to continue in goal for the Potters.
Midfield
Stoke’s best player by a margin, Xherdan Shaqiri could return on the right wing. Shaqiri’s injury came at the wrong time as he was in form. The fans will hope he regains his magic touch sooner rather than later.
A major concern will be the absence of Glenn Whelan who is out with a hamstring injury. With Cameron also a major doubt, the defensive midfield is expected to be taken by Gianelli Imbula. Stoke will depend highly on the front four players behind the striker- Joe Allen, Shaqiri, Charlie Adam and Marko Arnautovic.
Attack
Substitute Bojan Krkic scored the equaliser against West Ham but his inconsistency is the reason why he isn’t starting regularly. Despite having many options up front, Stoke have really struggled to get them going. Loanee Wilfred Bony scored a brace against Swansea but was quiet last time out against West Ham. Nevertheless, we expect Hughes to start with him for his physical presence.
