Stoke fans will be out in force as over 3000 will travel to Derbyshire, hopefully watch the Potters get back on the winning path after Wednesdays Draw to Barnsley.

Stoke will be helped by the return to fitness of Nick Powell, though Captain Joe Allen is likely to miss out with a toe injury. 

Derby are ready to accept a 9 points deduction for breaking FFP rules, this really should of happened last season. Derby will be desperate for a win quickly to stop them being rooted to the bottom of the league. 

How do Stoke usually fair

Saturday’s fixture will be the 138th meeting between the two sides

Stoke wins 42

Draws 41

Derby wins 53

The last meeting

The last meeting between the two sides was back in March when Stoke dominated a game but only managed too score 1 goal in a 1-0 win. Jacob Brown scored the goal which was assisted by Nick Powell.

The last game at Pride park was in December where Derby dominated the game but couldn’t find a way past Josef Bursik. Bursik’s Man of the match performance where he saved 4 shots enabled Stoke to share the points.

Form (last 4 games)

Stoke

Stoke 2-0 Doncaster (cup)

Fulham 3-0 Stoke

Stoke 2-1 Huddersfield 

Stoke 1-1 Barnsley 

Derby

Sheff United 2-1 Derby (cup)

Derby 1-1 Forest

Birmingham 2-0 Derby

WBA 0-0 Derby

Derby’s last game is one to take note off. To draw away to WBA shows that Derby are at least competitive if not as threatening as they would like. Saying that Derby have not registered a win in there last 5 games and with a 9 point deduction looming a win is needed.

Who’s the threat

Derby have one of the oldest squads in the league and Stoke should take advantage of that being one of the youngest. Derby do have quality in the squad if not slightly past there best with Phil Jagielka & Curtis Davies. Tom Lawrence has talent in abundance and can cause the Potters a threat as does Graeme Shinnie. 

How could Stoke set up for the game.

Joe’s Allen has picked up a toe injury and could miss the game, but better news is that Nick Powell is available for selection. The Crewe Messi should take Allen’s place in the squad which makes us very attacking but very soft in the midfield which is a concern with Sawyers, Vrancic & Powell. We will have to wait and see if Derby control that midfield, if they don’t Stoke should run riot. Right wing back is a concern with Smith suspended, Doughty came on versus Barnsley to cover the role but we do have the likes of Ex Derby player Tom Ince or new signing Demeaco Duhaney. 

What is your score Prediction?