The pressure mounted yet further on Gianfranco Zola after Stoke’s win at Upton Park last week, but the individual skill of Ricardo Fuller’s winner – compared by some to Ricky Villa’s mazy run and finish at Wembley nearly thirty years ago – was nearly enough to sway the post-match discussion from the predictable story-line.

Despite a scant return of two goals this season, Fuller’s cracker symbolised his form of late as he nears towards a double fixture gameweek. Goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen has recently praised the striker’s work ethic, and Fuller’s recent performances – including the showing at home to Manchester City – have eluded those fickle Fantasy Premier League bonus points.

Nestled in the sanctuary of mid-table, Stoke are under little pressure having guaranteed another year of top-flight football. After tough games against Aston Villa, Arsenal and Spurs, Tony Pulis’s team now embark on a fair run of fixtures (HUL wlv ful BOL) which can cement their current position and possibly promote Fuller in our thinking…

Hull, despite their win against Fulham, still have ample defensive questions to answer and this game provides the largest points potential for Fuller. The away days at Molineux and Craven Cottage should be games more marked by defensive discipline than goals. However, Fulham have conceded five goals in their last five home games and Wolves four, so recent precedent suggests chances will be offered.

With James Beattie out and Dave Kitson not match-fit, Fuller can be the forward fulcrum in a Stoke side that – with Etherington now back in action- is now a more creative outfit. Priced at £5.4 million, Fuller is Stoke’s best priced striker in relation to his points haul this season and, with a double fixture gameweek to come, that trend could very well continue.