Preview: Derby vs Stoke

by Kieran O'Daly , 27 January 2012

Stoke boss Tony Pulis has the luxury of an almost fully-fit squad to choose from for his side's FA Cup fourth-round tie against Derby at Pride Park.


Mamady Sidibe, a long term absentee with a knee injury, is the only player who will not be available for the Potters now that defender Andy Wilkinson and winger Ryan Shotton have recovered from their recent injury problems.

After making six changes for the 3-1 third-round victory at Gillingham, Pulis says he will pick a "strong" team for the Pride Park encounter.

Rams boss Nigel Clough had hoped to be able to give on-loan striker Ryan Noble his first start since rejoining the club, but parent club Sunderland have refused him permission to play as they do not want him cup-tied.

Clough was keen for Noble to feature as leading scorer Theo Robinson is an injury doubt and Steven Davies is still not ready to start a full game, having only recently resumed action for the reserves after three months out with a skull fracture.

"After such a long time out, I'm not quite sure Steve is ready yet. He didn't head it too many times in his last game on Tuesday night and the one time he did head it, his protective mask broke and he had to come off," Clough said.

Rams midfielder James Bailey did train this week and may be fit enough to play. Bailey felt unwell and was replaced by the fit-again Jeff Hendrick in last weekend's match at Burnley.

Teams:

Stoke (from): Sorensen, Begovic, Wilkinson, Huth, Shawcross, Wilson, Pennant, Delap, Palacios, Etherington, Crouch, Walters, Shotton, Upson, Diao, Jones, Whitehead, Whelan, Woodgate, Fuller, Higginbotham, Jerome.

Broadcasters
E-Newsletter
Live Football on Setanta
16/06/2012 23:00
17/06/2012 21:00
22/06/2012 01:00
24/06/2012 01:00
All Times GMT
Rugby
01/06/2012 09:30
02/06/2012 07:30
02/06/2012 09:30
02/06/2012 16:45
03/06/2012 09:00
04/06/2012 09:00
04/06/2012 11:45
07/06/2012 18:00
All Times GMT
Other
03/06/2012 11:45
All Times GMT

Setanta Africa broadcasts exclusive live coverage of the Dutch League, Scottish Premier League, MLS, Copa Del Rey, Copa Libertadores, delayed English Premier League from Manchester City, Aston Villa and Tottenham TV, delayed Serie A from the Milan Channel as well as magazine shows.

Edit Web Part Contents