Stoke vs Ipswich preview
Friday 7 December 2018 12:23, UK
Stoke defender Erik Pieters is a doubt for the Sky Bet Championship match against bottom club Ipswich at the bet365 Stadium.
The left-back went off during the second half of the midweek 2-2 draw at Reading because of a hamstring problem, so will be assessed. Midfielder Peter Etebo is in the middle of a three-match suspension following his red card in the win over Derby.
Bruno Martins Indi, James McClean and Benik Afobe all came into the team against the Royals, with Wales captain Ashley Williams and striker Saido Berahino both dropping to the bench, and it remains to be seen if manager Gary Rowett will change things again.
Ipswich boss Paul Lambert heads back to one of his former clubs having left the Potters in May following relegation. Midfielder Cole Skuse has sustained a knee injury in training this week, and could be set for an extended spell on the sidelines.
Winger Gwion Edwards (ankle) missed last weekend's defeat at Nottingham Forest, but is expected to travel. On-loan midfielder Tayo Edun has returned to Fulham for treatment on an eye problem, while defender Myles Kenlock (ankle), midfielders Tom Adeyemi (Achilles) and Emyr Huws (knee) all continue their own rehabilitation.
Opta stats
This is the first league meeting between Stoke and Ipswich since February 2008 - the Potters won 1-0.
Ipswich are winless in their last seven away league visits to Stoke (D3 L4) since a 1-0 win in March 1997.
Stoke City are unbeaten in their last seven league games, although only two of those have been victories for the Potters.
Ipswich manager Paul Lambert has won three of his five away matches against Stoke in all competitions (L2) - as Potters manager last season, he managed just one home win in eight attempts (D3 L4).
Ipswich have lost at least 11 of their first 20 league games of a second tier season for only the third time in their history (also 2011-12 and 1954-55).
No Stoke player has been directly involved in more league goals this season than Joe Allen (7 - 3 goals, 4 assists - also Benik Afobe).
Prutton's prediction
David Prutton predicts: 2-0 (5/1 with Sky Bet)
