Stoke vs Cardiff preview

Stoke City prepare for their hardest test so far as they attempt to make it eight wins out of the last ten games with the visit of the high flying Bluebirds to the Britannia.

The win against West Brom on Saturday enabled the Potters to climb to sixth place, only seven points off Tuesday night's visitors. Cardiff, in contrast, have slipped slightly recently, only winning three games in the last nine, whilst drawing two and losing three and just hanging on to the top spot on goal difference. A win against Cardiff will give Stoke maximum points for November.

Danny Higginbotham told the official site that the team are relishing every game: 'It's great to be part of this run at the moment. As a footballer you witness both sides of it but the lads are looking forward to every game now. We know that every time we step onto the pitch we have got a chance of picking up some points. Cardiff are top of the league because they have been the best team in the league so far this season, but we know we can beat anyone if we are on our game.'

Stoke will be waiting to see if Lee Hendrie will be fit and Ricardo Fuller is likely to return after suspension to head the attack with Mama Sidibe. Dave Brammer is also again available for selection, but Patrik Berger is likely to be given his first start for the Potters.

Hopefully, Ricardo will be champing at the bit to get back to first team action after missing the last three games through suspension due to his sending off in the win over Coventry. Pulis will be looking for Fuller to add some bite to their front line which was shown to be lacking in the game on Saturday.

Dutch international defender, Glenn Loovens may miss the game as he recovers from a groin strain and the only other possible doubt is Riccardo Scimeca.

Cardiff's top scorer with eleven goals was signed from Newcastle in the summer for a bargain £500,000. The Championship's meanest defence will need to be on their guard if we're going to end November without conceding a goal.

Cardiff's last three visits have all ended in victory for the Bluebirds including a very disappointing 0-3 defeat last season.

Sat 2nd Dec: Coventry (away) kick-off: 3pm
Sat 9th Dec: QPR (home) kick-off: 3pm
Sat 16th Dec: Colchester (away) kick-off: 3pm

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