The Potters host Portsmouth this weekend in a game that sees the visitors need a win just as much as the Potters.
Stoke proudly sit 9th in the Premier League and are looking to bounce back after two disappointing results lately against Wolves and Hull. Pompey, on the other hand, have had a tough start and are currently 20th in the Premier League but recent results have been more promising..
Stoke lost their 100% home record against teams outside the 'top 2' last time out when they gave away a 2-0 lead, to draw 2-2 at home to Wolves. The last gasp defeat to Hull a fortnight ago was the end of the Potters four game unbeaten run. Portsmouth are struggling down at the bottom but after losing their opening seven league games they have since picked up a couple of victories and are on the verge of climbing out of thr bottom three. Lost 3-1 to Blackburn last time out.
In the 30 matches between these sides at Stoke, the Potters have won 16, the visitors 8 and 6 have been drawn. Last seasons clash at the Brit saw the game end 2-2. Portsmouth have failed to win any of their last 5 trips to City, dating back to February 1995. Overall Pompey have won 27 times to the Potters 22.
Kevin Friend is taking charge of Sundays game. He refereed the Potters in their vital victory away to Colchester in April 2008 but has never reffed Portsmouth.
The Met Office report that there will be overcast conditions, with drizzly spells, temperatures of 11 degrees celsius, very good visibility and a strong 23mph wind..
Prediction: The Potters fly out of the traps and take a 2-0 half time lead through Fuller and Beattie. The bottom of the league side pull a goal back in the second half before Beattie seals the win late on