Source: SKY_Sports
Stoke v Portsmouth preview
Two of this season's Premier League strugglers do battle at the Britannia Stadium in a must-win game for both sides.[LNB] Stoke find themselves just two points above the drop zone, three points adrift of their rivals heading into Saturday's match.[LNB]A disappointing run of just one win in 11 games has left Tony Pulis' side fourth from bottom of the league table.[LNB]Netting just once in their last four home games has not helped the Potters' cause, nor has their abysmal away record of no wins in 13 games.[LNB]Beaten by fellow strugglers Sunderland last time out, and with a difficult game against surprise package Aston Villa on the horizon, Stoke can ill-afford to slip up against their managerless rivals.[LNB]Portsmouth, themselves, have endured a similarly troubled spell - boasting just one win in 10 Premier League outings.[LNB]Their away record leaves much to be desired, with just one win in the last eight games in all competitions on the road.[LNB]Beating Bristol City in the FA Cup away from home on 13th January appeared to ease the pressure somewhat for the travelling fans, albeit temporarily.[LNB]Pompey went crashing out of the FA Cup at the hands of Swansea just two weeks later, putting them out of contention for any form of silverware this term.[LNB]Yet to lose to a promoted side this term, Portsmouth will be hoping for back-to-back successes over the team they beat 2-1 back in October.[LNB]BlowRicardo Fuller is back in training for Stoke after dislocating his shoulder but will be out of contention for Saturday's encounter.[LNB]Mama Sidibe, Liam Lawrence, Danny Higginbotham, Ryan Shawcross and Andy Wilkinson are all fit and available for selection.[LNB]Stephen Kelly, however, looks doubtful after picking up a hamstring injury whilst on international duty with the Republic of Ireland. [LNB]Matthew Etherington and Rory Delap will both miss out through suspension on Saturday.[LNB]Pompey newsCaretaker manager Paul Hart has no new injuries to contend with for the trip to the Britannia Stadium.[LNB]Herman Hreidarsson is expected to have recovered from a virus and should be in contention for a place in the starting line-up.[LNB]Younes Kaboul, Armand Traore and Jerome Thomas are all available once again for selection, though Hart is expected to name an unchanged squad.[LNB]However, Richard Hughes (hamstring), Papa Bouba Diop (knee), Glen Little (knee) and Jamie Ashdown (ankle) remain sidelined.[LNB]Possible starting XIsStoke: Sorensen, Wilkinson, Shawcross, Faye, Lawrence, Cresswell, Whelan, Diao, Sidibe, Camara, Beattie[LNB]Portsmouth: James, Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson, Pennant, Basinas, Davis, Kranjcar, Crouch, Nugent.[LNB]
