Stoke City: Pulis ponders options over Valencia line-up
ASMIR Begovic and Robert Huth are the only certain starters for Stoke City's grandest European night ever against Valencia tomorrow.
Manager Tony Pulis is keeping his cards close to his chest about the rest of his line-up as he juggles his pack for two Europa League games and an FA Cup tie over the next eight days.
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Tony Pulis
Begovic replaces Thomas Sorensen in goal tomorrow (8.05pm) and is pencilled in for the FA Cup fifth-round clash at Crawley on Sunday and the Europa League second leg in Spain four days later.
Huth, whose current three-match ban does not include European games, is back in defence tomorrow.
Huth, pictured below, remains angry over the red card for his challenge on Sunderland's David Meyler earlier this month, but Pulis says the German is mentally right for Valencia.
"Like everybody at the football club he's disappointed he's been done for a challenge that's nowhere near as bad as others we've seen," said Pulis.
"But Huthy is a strong and resilient character, so he will be fine for this game. Like the rest of us, he's looking forward to a great occasion."
Pulis has stuck with skipper Ryan Shawcross in cup games recently, but also has the option of Jonathan Woodgate and Matthew Upson to play alongside Huth.
Pulis is refusing to confirm that Rory Delap will start, but his long throws could be one of the weapons thrown at Valencia to try and establish a valuable first-leg lead going to the Mestalla next week.
He acknowledged Stoke's poor run of four straight league defeats, but reckons the pressure is on favourites Valencia.
"We have nothing to lose and everything to gain," he said. "Let's show them a real Britannia night and make it as difficult for them as we can.
"They are a quality side, but our fans can make all the difference like they have so many times for us in the past.
"We really need to hear them from start to finish to help the players."
Stoke are defending a proud seven-match unbeaten home record in European competition stretching back to their UEFA Cup debut back in 1972.
"It is a fantastic occasion against one of the big names of European football," Pulis added. "Honestly, I can't wait for it."
Stoke have around 2,000 tickets left for tomorrow's game.
They can be booked at scfcdirect.com, or on the club's ticket hotline (01782) 367599. Alternatively, fans can buy tickets in person from the Britannia Stadium ticket office or from the club stores in the Potteries Centre Hanley and the Roebuck Centre, Newcastle.
Valencia have sold 29,838 tickets for next week's game in the 55,000 capacity Mestalla.
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Lou Macari: Valencia success is big ask, but Stoke can pull it off
29 Comments
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by Davejjohnson
Wednesday, February 15 2012, 10:47PM
“Never doubted it Deadly, you are one of the sensible few on here who I'm sure has a life away from rubbish like this site. Hope we do better than Arsenal did tonight.”
by Davejjohnson
Wednesday, February 15 2012, 10:43PM
“Lot's of you get a bit twitchy Soccerfoot when proper supporters mention going to games to cheer on their team. It's a concept that's lost on you. I could not care less what zero's like you think of me or Stoke so I'll say what I think. You don't go to games. you don't support Stoke, you don't count. I realise there are people who can't afford games but they still support their team rather than just moan about it daily on a rubbish web site. There are people who stand on the grass bank outside of the ground and watch from there because they don't have the cash to come in, they are supporters. You are just a sad man on a sad website and you'd love me and what you call "my ilk" to go away so that you can feel accepted. Fact is this site stinks apart from the sensible few and my main reason for bothering to post is I know how much it bothers sad people like you and Grassy Matty. I'm bored now but I will be back when I can be bothered to annoy you again. Won't be tomorrow though, got a team to cheer on.”
by deadlyscfc
Wednesday, February 15 2012, 10:39PM
“Actually would not be surprised to see Diao in as he has played well especially away from home.”
by deadlyscfc
Wednesday, February 15 2012, 10:35PM
“Dave i have only missed 22 home and away in 39 seasons.Also been half way around the world in pre season friendlies.I missed 17 of those whilst helping to sew mail bags for her majesty in Lincoln Prison in 1991.The other five clashed with major poker tournaments.which i am a semi pro at.Although i did fly from Paris to Luton halfway through The European open to watch us at Watford,and then flew straight back and still had enough chips left to play with and went on to win 5k.I notice Soccerfoot as put Whelan in his line up,after slating him all season.a bit contradictory.Are any of you off to Valencia.I have killed two birds with one stone and playing poker as well.I will be more than happy to still be in the tie after tomorrow.Good luck to the lads and lets make a lot of noise.”
by soccerfoot11
Wednesday, February 15 2012, 10:21PM
“god was that week bliss without the clown johsnon around !! it took him all of a day to get back to his usual dumb self ! Apparently johnson you and your friends seem to care an awful lot what we think because you sure do comment about what we say ..........a lot !”
by Davejjohnson
Wednesday, February 15 2012, 10:17PM
“I would love to know how many of the regulars on this site actually go to games so I challenge you all to say how many home games you have been to this season. I'll start the ball rolling, I've been to all of them, anyone else ?”
by Davejjohnson
Wednesday, February 15 2012, 10:13PM
“Potterspeil, are you me or am I you ? Is Matty (sorry Grassy) Stokiekarl or is he Kev Latfery or are they both Soccerfoot ? Does anybody care ? This site has become such a loony bin it's staggering. Some of the regulars on here think life is this site and "Praise and Grumble". Fascinating how they seem to think that their opinion is so important and that anyone cares what they think. laughable really.”
by Potterspeil
Wednesday, February 15 2012, 9:50PM
“Matty- I've not been 'up to speed' on this site lately, but I can assure you that I haven't walked away and neither do I resort to veiled insults. If you want to have an adult conversation, maybe we can meet up or I can come round your flat? I'll even provide the vodka. That is your favoured tipple, isn't it?
Sorry, I forgot, you are in Valencia, allegedly.”
by soccerfoot11
Wednesday, February 15 2012, 9:49PM
“HA HA AH AHA HA HA HA HA HA”
by Davejjohnson
Wednesday, February 15 2012, 9:16PM
“What's ironic idiot ?”