Didn't see a pre-match thread and I have a load of work that I want distraction from.

Pellegrino Preview

official match preview

This is one of those strange games where I have no real feeling as to which way it will go. It seems, in recent years, the away team has had more luck which could be a good sign. Stoke are no longer the big, long ball, set piece "proper" English side. They've kind of blended into the rest of the league in terms of playing style which I feel is a bit of a shame. It's happened to us as well going from M.Po's high pressing game which is when we caught the eye of so many neutrals to now missing that edge and just playing the 4-2-3-1 safe bet. I'd like to see someone outside of the big teams try and mix it up a bit. Play two strikers for the whole game (not just for the last 10 minutes), try a 4-3-2-1 with actual wingers who spread the game for the midfield to join up with the attack (Sam McQueen is really the only winger we have but I'd love to see Lemina doing third man runs).

Ok, so maybe not the most on topic preview, just my slightly idealistic desires for some different exciting football but, as I said, really not sure where this game will go.

I'm saying 1-1