Potters v Fulham- Carling Cup preview

Last updated : 21 September 2010 By DSG

 

The team that faced Shrewsbury in the previous round featured six adjustments and Pulis is set to make use of his squad once again.

 

Kenwyne Jones, Jermaine Pennant and Jon Walters could all miss out after coming off injured during Saturday's 1-1 draw with West Ham. Stoke were knocked out in the fourth round of the Carling Cup last season and Ryan Shawcross is looking for a decent run this time out.

 

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"It's a game that we are all looking forward to," he said. "We want to do well in the cups this year - it is something the club needs to strive for. If the gaffer puts out a strong team, I'm sure we will be fine.

 

"Everyone wants to get to cup finals and we are no different. Hopefully we can get the win against Fulham and push on."

 

Fulham manager Mark Hughes will select a strong team for clash. Hughes admitted his recent arrival at Craven Cottage means he wants to run the rule over his first choice line-up as much as possible.

 

Andy Johnson (knee) is still three to four weeks away from a first team return while Philippe Senderos (Achilles) and Bobby Zamora (knee) are long-term absentees. Diomansy Kamara (foot) is back in training but David Stockdale (ankle) has three more weeks on the sidelines.

 

Mark Hughes believes Fulham are capable of meeting this week's heavy workload without making changes to their team.

 

The Cottagers travel to Stoke for the second of three matches in eight days.

 

Hughes, who was appointed Fulham manager in late July, is ready to select his strongest available line-up once again as he continues to asses the strength of his side.

 

"I made the point before and after the last round that we are very early in the season and we don't need to make many changes," he said.

 

"From a new manager's point of view, I want to see the core elements of my team play as much as possible.

 

"That might be different for other clubs who have managers who know their teams inside out.

 

"That is a different situation, but for me it helps seeing them play as many times as I can.

 

"Physically we recover as well as anybody and we never compromise by playing anybody when they are not fully recovered, so it's not an issue.

 

"I made the point before and after the last round against Port Vale that we're very early in the season and I don't think you need to make that many changes."

 

Source: DSG

Source: DSG