Stoke City kept their target of finishing in the top half of the table quite alive as they ran past an inconsistent Hull City side last week. The Tigers’ pathetic away form further helped their cause. The Potters now sit at the 11th position in the league table collecting 39 points from 33 games.
Leicester City sitting below them with 37 points have played one game lesser than and Stoke could further increase the lead to five points as the Foxes don’t play over the weekend owing to Tottenham’s FA Cup commitments.
Stoke will be visiting Swansea City this week, who have won just one of their last seven fixtures against the Potters. Stoke had won at Liberty Stadium last season and they will look to win there for the second consecutive time. The Potter’s away form will, however, be a big concern as they have managed just 13 points from 16 games.
Defence
Lee Grant will start under the bar once again. The 34-year-old English international has conceded 34 goals in 28 games and will have to be more effective in the remaining crucial fixtures.
Stoke have conceded 48 times this season, and while it looks pretty impressive when placed alongside Swansea City’s 68 goals, Potters manager Mark Hughes looked hugely concerned with it. Stoke have switched to a five-man defence now, which looked effective against Hull City.
Erik Pieters and Glen Johnson will take their position on the defensive flanks. Stoke have progressed in their attempt to retain the services of Johnson for another year and the 32-year-old is close to extending his contract.
The central trio of defenders is expected to be Ryan Shawcross, Marc Muniesa and Bruno Martins Indi. Hughes has a chunk of experience at the heart of the defence and Swansea City will have a tough time cracking the nut.
Midfield
Charlie Adam and Geoff Cameron will feature in the central midfield. In the absence of their star player Joe Allen, the duo has increased responsibility to get the ball up front. Stoke haven’t scored an away goal since January 5, and they will be crucial in breaking this deadlock.
Attack
The flanks will be taken by Marko Arnautovic and Xherdan Shaqiri. The duo played an important role in Stoke’s win over Hull City. Arnautovic has been directly involved in 10 league goals this season, which is more than any Stoke player.
Peter Crouch will lead the attack.
Crouch
Arnautovic – Cameron – Adam – Shaqiri
Pieters – Shawcross – Muniesa – Indi – Johnson
Grant
