Stoke City vs West Brom: Preview & Prediction

Stoke City play host to West Bromwich Albion at the Bet 365 Stadium, as Tony Pulis returns to his former club.

Mark Hughes’ side remain rooted to the foot of the Premier League table, following a winless start to their ninth consecutive campaign in the top division.

The Staffordshire outfit were trounced 4-1 away at Crystal Palace last Sunday afternoon, meaning that they have picked up just the solitary point to their name so far this term.

Two goals in each half from James Tomkins, Scott Dann, James McArthur and Andros Townsend sealed the points for Alan Pardew’s Croydon outfit, before Marko Arnautovic pulled one back in stoppage time.

Stoke’s misery was heaped on in midweek when they were knocked out of the EFL Cup at home to Hull City, losing 2-1 to the Tigers on Wednesday night.

Goalkeeper Jack Butland has been greatly missed with an ankle injury, in what has been a challenging first month of the season for City, a spell in which they have conceded four goals in a game on three occasions.

West Brom make the journey up to the Potteries having enjoyed a recent upturn in fortunes, which has seen the buoyant Baggies climb up to 10th in the league.

Albion were victorious in front of their own support last Saturday, putting four past a struggling West Ham United at the Hawthorns.

A brace from club-record signing, Nacer Chadli, as well as goals from Salomon Rondon and James McClean had the Midlanders in complete control of the contest.

West Ham looked to briefly stage a comeback with two goals in four minutes after the hour, through Michail Antonio and Manuel Lanzini’s spot-kick, but West Brom held on to professionally see out the performance.

Stoke City and West Brom last faced each other back in January, at the Hawthorns. The hosts came out on top that day, with Stephane Sessegnon and Jonny Evans securing the 2-1 win.

England shot stopper Butland remains sidelined through injury for the home side – Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

Team News:

As mentioned above, keeper Butland is joined by Stephen Ireland on the treatment table at Stoke, with veteran Shay Given to continue to deputise in goal.

Xherdan Shaqiri could potentially return to the fold, after returning to training from a recent injury lay-off.

West Brom midfielder Chris Brunt has recovered from his serious knee injury that has forced him out of action since March, though manager Pulis confirmed he will not be available for selection this weekend.

League Positions: Stoke City – 20th (1pt); West Brom – 10th (7pts)
Last Meeting: West Brom 2-1 Stoke City – (January 2, 2016)
League Form: Stoke City – DLLLL; West Brom – WLDLW
Key Men: Stoke City – Marko Arnautovic; West Brom – Nacer Chadli
Shoot Says: Stoke City 0-1 West Brom