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. Stoke find themselves just two points above the drop zone, three points adrift of their rivals heading into Saturday's match.A disappointing run of just one win in 11 games has left Tony Pulis' side fourth from bottom of the league table.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.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.Portsmouth, themselves, have endured a similarly troubled spell - boasting just one win in 10 Premier League outings.Their away record leaves much to be desired, with just one win in the last eight games in all competitions on the road.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.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.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.BlowRicardo Fuller is back in training for Stoke after dislocating his shoulder but will be out of contention for Saturday's encounter.Mama Sidibe, Liam Lawrence, Danny Higginbotham, Ryan Shawcross and Andy Wilkinson are all fit and available for selection.Stephen Kelly, however, looks doubtful after picking up a hamstring injury whilst on international duty with the Republic of Ireland. Matthew Etherington and Rory Delap will both miss out through suspension on Saturday.Pompey newsCaretaker manager Paul Hart has no new injuries to contend with for the trip to the Britannia Stadium.Herman Hreidarsson is expected to have recovered from a virus and should be in contention for a place in the starting line-up.Younes Kaboul, Armand Traore and Jerome Thomas are all available once again for selection, though Hart is expected to name an unchanged squad.However, Richard Hughes (hamstring), Papa Bouba Diop (knee), Glen Little (knee) and Jamie Ashdown (ankle) remain sidelined.Possible starting XIsStoke: Sorensen, Wilkinson, Shawcross, Faye, Lawrence, Cresswell, Whelan, Diao, Sidibe, Camara, BeattiePortsmouth: James, Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson, Pennant, Basinas, Davis, Kranjcar, Crouch, Nugent.