Stoke started the season in impressive fashion but have found the going tough lately and will face Fulham looking for their first win in seven league games. Ryan Shawcross is expected to return to strengthen the defence while Andy Johnson could start his first Premier League fixture for more than three months for the visitors after overcoming a long-term groin problem.

Quick Check

Stoke City

  • Defender Ryan Shawcross is available again after a one-match ban.
  • Defensive colleague Andy Wilkinson is also hoping to return after a muscle problem.
  • Tony Pulis’s side has taken just two points from their last six games.
  • Stoke have scored only five goals in their last eight Premier League matches.
  • The Potters have failed to find the back of the net in five of their last six league fixtures.
  • Stoke have not scored against Fulham in their last five meetings.

Fulham

  • Striker Andy Johnson is in contention to make his first Premier League start for three months.
  • Fulham not been beaten by Stoke since 1994 (five matches).
  • Striker Bobby Zamora has scored six goals in seven games in all competitions.
  • Norwegian star Brede Hangeland is still struggling with a knee problem.
  • Defender John Pantsil is facing a lengthy lay-off with a knee injury.
  • Midfielder Simon Davies is still sidelined by calf trouble.
  • Fulham have not won away from home since the opening day of the season.
  • Roy Hodgson’s side has drawn four of their last five games on the road.

Expert Advice

Stoke based their hugely successful first season in the Premier League on an impressive home record and will be anxious to begin 2010 in the best possible fashion to restore some of their invincibility. Ryan Shawcross’s return in defence will be a boost but the problem has not been at the back but at the other end of the pitch where goals have become something of a collector’s item. The Potters have had their problems against Fulham recently and must be wary of the threat posed by Bobby Zamora and the fit-again Andy Johnson. But Roy Hodgson’s side are not the same force away from home as they are at Craven Cottage and a tight game looks in store, with Betsson’s odds of 2.8 for there to be under 2.5 goals appearing a value bet.

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