Stoke prediction

Our first meeting with Stoke for a while then following their long spell out of the top flight, and there have been a few articles in the press recalling the dark days of the relegation game just over ten years ago, not to mention the two games the following seasons that were real turning points for us that year - particularly the home game around Christmas time.

A lot has changed of course since those days, and it should make for an interesting fixture tomorrow as Stoke will be full of confidence given their victory over Tottenham last Sunday - which ended a five match winless streak.

Our home form has been good, although we have had the two reversals against Chelsea and Liverpool, but we have looked threatening in attack and always looked like scoring goals. Monday's draw at Newcastle does mean that we are now winless in four though.

Plenty has been made of the 'Rory Delap effect' for Stoke, and it will be a challenge for our defence, with Hughes also sweating on the fitness of Micah Richards, as Stoke will undoubtedly bring a physical game plan.

I don't envisage many changes team wise for us, as it is clear as to what Hughes favoured side is, and I do think he may sacrifice Elano once again for either Hamman or Gelson. You do also wonder ifJo may be on a short leash at the moment given his lack of goals.

A win is really a must for us tomorrow given our return so far, and I can't see any other result apart from a home win, with a 2-0 win also bringing a much needed clean sheet.