Ahead of a contest that pits two under-pressure Welsh managers up against each other, we discuss the potential line-ups of both sides.
With a solitary point to show from their first five league games, Stoke City will be hugely disappointed at being anchored to the bottom of the Premier League, considering that Mark Hughes has spent time and money reforming the squad that he inherited from former Stoke boss Tony Pulis – his opposition in the dugout this weekend.
The current Stoke squad includes talents such as Marco Arnautovic, Bojan, Wilfried Bony, Joe Allen, Giannelli Imbula and Xherdan Shaqiri.
On paper, the defence is solid too; stalwart Ryan Shawcross, Dutch international Bruno Martins Indi and the experienced full-back duo of Glen Johnson and Erik Pieters.
Admittedly, the continued absence of Jack Butland is unfortunate, but any fans at the Bet365 Stadium who are becoming slightly concerned with team performance and frustrated with manager Hughes can also look at Stoke’s recent slow starts to Premier League campaigns.
Last season, for instance, Stoke didn’t win any of their first six games – before finding form and embarking on a run of five wins in seven.
Nevertheless, this weekend’s home fixture against West Bromwich Albion is one from which Hughes and his charges will be aiming to secure all three points. Despite reports in The Guardian that Hughes has the support of the club, it will be one huge relief if the Welshman can get the first league win under his belt.
In contrast to Stoke, West Bromwich Albion seem to be finding decent form at present. Last weekend’s 4-2 away victory over West Ham United saw Pulis’ side perform admirably and secure a valuable win after recent points dropped against Bournemouth (1-0 loss) and Middlesbrough (0-0).
The Baggies currently sit in 10th position in the Premier League and will look toward forward Salomon Rondon and £13 million record signing Nacer Chadli for inspiration as they make the short trip along the M6.
The performances of Chadli and Rondon ironically mean that forward Saido Berahino is struggling for starts and is likely to be named amongst the substitutes against the club that lodged a £20 million bid for his services over the summer.
Recent history is on West Brom’s side. Manager Pulis has guided his team to three successive league victories in the last three contests with Stoke and will hope that his famed defensive organisation will be on top form in this encounter.
However, after a recent takeover of West Brom by a Chinese consortium, Pulis will also be feeling a certain amount of pressure – albeit a different kind to that of Hughes – after admitting that he may well face the sack in light of the new owners.
Consequently, expect this to be a tight, tense and tenacious affair in the quest for the points.
This is how we expect both Stoke City and visitors West Bromwich Albion to line-up:
Stoke City
Stoke will be boosted by the return of Shaqiri, who picked up an injury in the season’s opener against Middlesbrough and hasn’t played since. Due to his impact and importance to Hughes’ side, the diminutive Swiss international is expected to go straight into the starting line-up.
In midfield, Glenn Whelan may find favour at the expense of Allen or Imbula. Shay Given is expected to retain his place as Butland’s stand-in, but is being pushed by Lee Grant.
West Bromwich Albion
West Brom’s team selection is not providing too much of a head ache for Pulis, who is expected to keep faith with the side that defeated West Ham United 4-2 last week. Chadli will play as the ‘number 10’ in a free-role, in the hope that he can provide the creativity and opportunity for Rondon.
Claudio Yacob and Darren Fletcher will be trusted to provide the protection for the back four. England Under-21 international, Brendan Galloway, continues to impress after his loan from Everton and will play at left-back in the continued absence of Chris Brunt.
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