12th host 13th in the Premier League as Stoke take on Bournemouth at Saturday lunchtime.
Two teams side by side in the Premier League, but in contrasting form meet this weekend, as Stoke City welcome Bournemouth to the Bet365 Stadium.
Stoke have put their poor start to the season firmly behind them by going six games without defeat, but Bournemouth have suffered back to back losses to relegation candidates Middlesbrough and Sunderland after taking eight points from their four games prior.
Eddie Howe’s side, so impressive in their 6-1 thrashing of Hull last month, have suddenly gone goal-shy with just a further goal in their last three matches.
Bournemouth’s Simon Francis with Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe at the end of the game
The Potters recorded six goals in wins over Hull City and Swansea City and a credible draw away to West Ham United, after overcoming their sorry start of four defeats in their opening five games of the campaign.
Swansea City’s Fernando Llorente in action with Stoke City’s Ryan Shawcross
Stoke City
Stoke have won the last three meetings between the sides but face doubts over five first team stars ahead of the weekend.
Xherdan Shaqiri is a major doubt after aggravating his hamstring in the win over Swansea while Glen Johnson and Glenn Whelan are unlikely to be fit and Ramadan Sobhi and Geoff Cameron could be absent in a bit of a selection headache for Mark Hughes.
Stoke City’s Geoff Cameron in action with Hull City’s Ahmed Elmohamady
That means Gianelli Imbula and Bojan could be restored to the line-up and Phil Bardsley will continue to deputise for the injured Johnson.
Stoke have picked up 11 points since the start of October with only Liverpool and Chelsea picking up more in that time, and have kept five clean sheets in their last seven home games against Bournemouth.
Bournemouth’s Jack Wilshere in action
Bournemouth
The Cherries haven’t won at Stoke for 25 years and may have to try and do so without Callum Wilson who faces a late fitness test.
Adam Smith is suspended so Steve Cook may revert to right back and Nathan Ake might make an appearance in central defence.
Jack Wilshere will keep his place in midfield along with Republic of Ireland debutant Harry Arter and Joshua King could continue in Wilson’s absence.
Bournemouth’s Jack Wilshere
Brad Smith and Lewis Cook remain injured and Andrew Surman is a minor doubt but expected to recover. Bournemouth are yet to win a Premier League game in November and have failed to keep a clean sheet on the road in 10 fixtures.
A win on Saturday would put an end to seven away games without a win in the league since victory over Aston Villa in April.
Stoke City predicted line-up
Bournemouth predicted line-up
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