Ricardo Fuller is back for Stoke, while QPR boss Luigi De Canio has a defensive decision to make.
Striker boost for Stoke, defensive dilemma for QPR
Ricardo Fuller is back for Stoke City, while Queens Park Rangers boss Luigi De Canio has a defensive decision to make.
Jamaica international Fuller, who has netted six times this season, was suspended for Saturday's 0-0 draw at Burnley, but is available again and goes straight back into Stoke's starting line-up.
Tony Pulis, bidding to avoid a fourth successive home defeat, is sweating on the fitness of Liam Lawrence, who was missing at the weekend with a hamstring injury, but he should recover in time to take his place on the right wing.
The return of Fuller is expected to demote Vincent Pericard back to the bench alongside winger Demar Phillips, who is back in the squad and in contention to feature.
Phillips was absent at Turf Moor after his return from international duty with Jamaica last week was delayed, but he may face QPR.
Dominic Matteo, recently sidelined with thigh and ankle problems, is struggling with his match fitness, but should play some part.
QPR news
R's boss De Canio is toying with the idea of bringing Sampsa Timoska back into the side at the expense of Bob Malcolm.
On-loan Derby defender Malcolm looked rusty on his debut against Sheffield Wednesday, despite the Hoops keeping a clean sheet, and was replaced on the hour by Timoska.
Striker Dexter Blackstock came through 80 minutes unscathed in the 0-0 draw with the Owls after seven weeks out following knee surgery, and should lead the line again at the Britannia Stadium.
Fellow forward Marc Nygaard is also fit following a hamstring injury and replaced Blackstock for the final 10 minutes against the Owls.
Defender Pat Kanyuka needs to build up his match fitness following seven months out with a thigh injury, and midfielder Simon Walton is still recovering from his broken leg.
