Fulham v Stoke Preview

After losing to high-flying Manchester City in the Arctic wasteland that was the Etihad Stadium, Martin Jol`s side have an ideal opportunity to get back to winning ways when they face Stoke City this Saturday.

In what promises to be a physical battle, Jol will be hoping that his side can stick to their footballing principles, rather than become embroiled in a physical battle, if they are to emerge victorious.

Vital Quotes:

to follow

Fulham Team News:

Following the defeat to Manchester City, Martin Jol has reported no further injury concerns. Grygera is still absent but apart form that, we believe the squad available is the same as last week. Now whether that includes Andrew Johnson remains to be seen. But there are hopes that our latest acquisition, the Russian striker Pavel Pogrebnyak might start with it being announced he has been granted a full work permit.

Player to watch: Pavel Pogrebnyak

The home support will be eager to see exactly what this guy has to offer considering his scoring record of one (this season) and that being a penalty are anything to go by.

Stoke Team News:

Tony Pulis brings his Stoke side to Craven Cottage without one of his key defenders. Robert Huth received a straight red card last time out and begins a three match suspension.

Matthew Etherington who has played for two London clubs in his career, Spurs and West Ham, should be fit to participate after recovering from a virus.

Player to watch: Peter Crouch

Experiencing a new lease of life in the Potteries, after leaving Spurs in the summer transfer window. His awkward style plus his additional height, make him ideal for Stoke`s style of play.

Match Facts & Stats

It`s pretty even as far as recent meeting between the two sides in the Premier League are concerned. In the last seven encounters, each side has won thrice with the other being a draw.

It`ll be interesting to see who gets their noses in front this time around.

Match Prediction:

Any game against Stoke promises to be a tough physical affair and this one will be no different. But our home form is good and I`m taking Fulham to edge home, possibly by the odd goal in three.

Next Fixtures:

Next time out, in the Premier League, we take on Queens Park Rangers, at Loftus Road.