Stoke v Fulham: Stoke could relegate Fulham on their way to equalling highest ever points tally

03 May 2014 08:42

Stoke City host Fulham at The Britannia Stadium tomorrow afternoon in The Potters final home game of the season.

Mark Hughes side have lost just three games in the Potteries this campaign and will be hoping that stat stays the same with their own bit of history riding on the fixture. Stoke could have equalled their highest ever points tally in the Premier League last weekend if they have beaten Spurs but the 1-0 loss means this fixture could be the one as well as going further to cementing their highest ever finish.

Fulham have their own reasons to fight for a win here with the three points dragging them out of the bottom three for the first time since January and helping them maintain their Premier League status. But if Fulham lose tomorrow and Sunderland win then Felix Magath's men will be relegated for the first time since 2001.

Team News

Stoke City will be without Captain Ryan Shawcross after his dismissal last week, but Glen Whelan could deputise whilst Marc Muniesa switches to centre back and Eric Pieters takes up his usual position. Up front, Hughes may make a few changes after seeing his team struggle to score last week and on-loan winger Oussama Assaidi is pushing for a start.

Fulham have record signing Kostas Mitroglou available for tomorrow's clash after completing training this week after being sidelines with a knee injury, Magath will have to decide whether to risk the striker for this integral fixture. Steve Sidwell is also a doubt with a knee problem.

Stats

Only the Premier League's top five have taken more points at home than Stoke City this season.

If only away points counted this season, Fulham would be outside the relegation zone on 14 points, while Stoke would be in it with just 11.

A win in this game will mean Stoke match their highest total in a Premier League season. 47.

Stoke have conceded 16 goals at home this season. Fulham have only managed to 15 goals away from home.

Prediction

The Britannia Stadium will be rocking tomorrow for Stoke's final game their this season and when the fans come out and make it a Fortress, teams rarely have a chance. Fulham are fighting hard to stay in this league and I think they will put up a good fight, but Stoke deserve to finish this historic season on a high.

Stoke City 3-1 Fulham

Source: DSG