With the Premier League in its final stages, Mark Hughes’ men will visit the King Power Stadium with an eye on finishing the season in the top half of the Premier league table. Leicester City have the momentum with them and it will be an interesting battle between the two teams. Stoke have had a pretty ordinary season and are sitting in the ninth position.
The last time these two teams met, the match was a 2-2 stalemate. Both teams have gone under a sea of change and a number of players have arrived at the clubs. Mark Hughes’ side are in good form and had held Chelsea for most parts in the last match until Gary Cahill came up with a winner
Predicted 4-4-2 Stoke City Lineup against Leicester City
Defence
Jack Butland has returned to training for the first time since he broke his ankle against Germany but might not feature due to lack of match fitness. In that case, Hughes will rely on Lee Grant who has a good run of games.
Phil Bardsley is suspended for this match and Geoff Cameron will take his place in the right back position.
Eric Pieters should slot in at left back. The defender is a tough nut to crack and will have a go at the opponent attackers.
Bruno Martins Indi and Ryan Shawcross will be in the central defence. The Porto loanee has caught the attention of many with his performance for the Potters and rumours have been going around that the club hierarchy are considering signing him on a permanent basis.
Midfield
As Cameron will have to perform defensive duties, Glenn Whelan should take his place in the defensive midfield. Joe Allen has put in a constant energy into the midfield and his decision making ideas could come in handy for the Potters.
Attack
Marko Arnautovic will get the chance to make his 25th start in the Premier League. The Austrian international has been in good touch and will try to contribute as much as possible.
When Xherdan Shaqiri was signed by Stoke City in 2015 many people were shocked by the decision. A player of his calibre could be very threatening but his 2016/17 campaign has been marred by injuries. He has managed a mere 14 Premier League starts this term.
Jonathan Walters will be paired up with Saido Berahino. The latter moved to the Bet365 Stadium in January from West Bromwich Albion but is yet to open his account for his new club.
