Source: SKY_Sports
Fulham v Stoke preview
Fulham continue their battle for Europa League football next season against in-form Stoke City at Craven Cottage.[LNB] The Cottagers begin the day just a point adrift of West Ham while the Potters, who have claimed 10 points from a possible 12, now sit on an impressive 39 points.[LNB]Roy Hodgson's side were held to a goalless draw last time out while Stoke's 1-0 success over Blackburn means they are on the cusp of another season of top-flight football.[LNB]Stoke's last trip to Craven Cottage saw them lose 3-0 in the FA Cup in January 2007 thanks to goals from Vincenzo Montella, Brian McBride and Tomasz Radzinski.[LNB]Fulham team newsFulham have a clean bill of health so Hodgson is likely to stick with his tried and trusted formula by naming his strongest side for the visit of Stoke.[LNB]That means Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora will lead the line with the likes of Simon Davies and Clint Dempsey providing support from out wide.[LNB]Dickson Etuhu and Danny Murphy will run the middle of the pitch while Brede Hangeland will command a back four comprising of John Pantsil, Aaron Hughes and Paul Konchesky.[LNB]Keeper Mark Schwarzer is just one of nine players to have played every minute of Premier League football available this season and he is almost certain to retain his place between the sticks.[LNB]Stoke team newsPotters boss Tony Pulis is forced into making two changes to his starting XI on Saturday as James Beattie (thigh) and Danny Higginbotham (both) are both out of the clash.[LNB]Richard Cresswell or Seyi Olofinjana are the favourites to replace six-goal favourite Beattie, who could miss the remainder of the season with a suspected thigh tear.[LNB]Henri Camara is a third option for Pulis, although he is unlikely to get the nod as he is too similar a striker to Jamaica international Ricardo Fuller.[LNB]Right-back Andy Wilkinson, like Higginbotham has a back injury, and is set to miss out, so the likes of Stephen Kelly, Andy Griffin and Andrew Davies are all in contention.[LNB]Danny Pugh should get the nod ahead of ex-Leeds loanee Carl Dickinson to fill Higginbotham's shoes at left-back.[LNB]Possible starting XIsFulham: Schwarzer, Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky, Davies, Murphy, Etuhu, Dempsey, Johnson, Zamora.[LNB]Stoke: Sorensen, Kelly, Shawcross, Ab Faye, Pugh, Lawrence, Delap, Whelan, Etherington, Cresswell, Fuller.[LNB]
