While QPR and Reading are already relegated, Wigan’s recent revival means both tonight’s teams are far from safety. Sunderland are just two points above the Latics but after their chastening defeat at Villa Park this time last week, Paolo Di Canio’s man-management skills face a real test this evening. For Stoke, it seems the 40 point mark is still not enough – Tony Pulis will be buoyed by back-to-back wins as his side head to the Stadium of Light, though.
The hosts need to make do without the suspended Stephane Sessegnon due to a three-match ban and will rely on the misfiring Danny Graham to breach a Potters’ backline that has returned to form in recent matches, with a clean sheet in each of the last couple of Gameweeks. Once again, we’ve opened the Dugout Discussion for those seeking some real-time chat company while the matches unfold.
Sunderland make a couple of changes from the side that were hammered by Villa last Monday. Aside from the suspended Sessegnon, Phil Bardsley also drops out, with James McClean and Jack Colback drafted into the starting XI. While Colback looks set to replace Bardsley at right-back, it remains to be seen who will move to “the hole” behind Danny Graham, with Adam Johnson, Seb Larsson and Craig Gardner all candidates.
Marc Wilson returns at left-back for the Potters after recent hamstring trouble, with Andy Wilkinson dropping out through injury. Tony Pulis’ only other alteration is enforced, as Glenn Whelan is replaced by Dean Whitehead in central midfield. Charlie Adam and Jon Walters keep the flank roles, with Matt Etherington remaining on the bench.
