Can Stoke return to the top?

Last updated : 02 March 2008 By Richard Murphy
Stoke's stint at the top lasted 15 days, before a combination of somehow failing to win at Deepdale and results yesterday sees them now lying in second behind Bristol City.

The only result going the right way yesterday was Watford's failure to win at Burnley despite being ahead twice in the game. Bristol City and WBA both took full advantage and secured 3 points at home to Hull and Plymouth respectively.

With all 3 of these sides in action on Tuesday when Stoke are without a game, a win today could be crucial for the Potters chances of maintaining a push for top spot. It will not be easy though as QPR have spent a lot of money in rebuilding a squad, Loftus Road is rarely a happy hunting ground, and Stoke are never normally that convincing in front of the TV cameras.

The team itself could see a couple of changes from Tuesdays defeat at PNE as Rory Delap is suspended and Carl Cort could well be out, although Liam Lawrence should be fit enough to start (please!). This should mean a recall to the starting 11 for Salif Diao (hopefully now a bit fitter) and a possible debut for new loan signing Chris Riggott from Middlesbrough. His capture until the end of the season is a good signing and should provide enough cover for the back four. The loss of Delap is a blow in this match as QPR completely failed to deal with his long throws earlier in the season and would have been worried about them again this time out.

The bench should also see the surprise return of Russell Hoult from his loan at Notts County, thanks to a bit of a keeper farce at the Brit. Fulop in, Fulop out, Nash in, no he is not, oh yes he is, but only next week!

Stoke should have enough to claim at least a point, although if the finishing can improve on that at Preston then 3 points is not out of reach. A victory here would put the pressure back on the chasers again, whilst anything less really tightens things up again.

COME ON STOKE!