Cardiff vs Stoke replay preview

Stoke City travel to South Wales and a third round FA Cup replay at Cardiff after we failed to kill off one of the Championship front-runners just over a week ago at the Brit.

Despite this being the first time that Stoke have played at Cardiff's new stadium, we all know that South Wales' most vociferous fans will be looking to make life uncomfortable for both the visiting players and fans. TP told the official site: 'It will be a special atmosphere inside the place. They will have it rocking for sure just as it always is down there. They are a good team and they will believe they can beat us, but I have faith in the team that we can go there and finish the job off.'

The Bluebird's star striker, Jay Bothroyd, may be fit after missing the match at the Brit with a hamstring injury. Craig Bellamy is another influential player who was absent at the Brit, but could start in the replay.

The former Potter is likely to make his first home appearance in the match against the Potters. The Beast scored after just nine minutes in his debut in their 1-1 draw at Norwich on Saturday.

There will be changes from the side that comfortably beat Bolton on Saturday - expect to see Thomas Sorensen back between the sticks at the minimum - but how many changes will give an indication of how confident Tone is of seeing off the threat from the Bluebirds. He's already said that he wants to see us on a cup run this season and with the prospect of a winnable 4th round tie against either Wolves or Doncaster awaiting the victors it is likely to mean less changes than he might have otherwise made.

But we'd expect Ric Fuller to start up front after being allowed to miss out on Saturday due to a family bereavement.

The black sheep of the squad seems on the verge of joining the main flock after some impressive games in the starting eleven over the past couple of weeks. Even Pulis has given the want-away striker credit for some decent performances, which may be timely for Tunny if we aren't able to sign up some more firepower upfront before the end of the month. In fact, if he doesn't play, it could give some credence to the belief that he's moving up the pecking order and that he's being saved for the visit to Fulham at the weekend.

Lee Mason

Saturday 22nd January: Fulham (away) kick-off: 3pm

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