Moran in: Stoke City team news and predicted XI to face Portsmouth
Today at 03:25 AM
Stoke City will be looking to pick up their first win of the Narcis Pelach era against Portsmouth later today.
Stoke City opted for a surprise change in manager earlier this season, relieving Steven Schumacher of his duties and placing Spanish coach Pelach at the helm of the club.
He hasn’t had long to work with his new group since arriving from the Norwich City backroom team. However, two defeats from two games under his lead has not seen the new tenure start on a high.
After sacrificing the lead to lose against Hull City in his first game, Pelach’s Potters were soundly beaten by Middlesbrough at the weekend. Boro emerged 2-0 winners with Ben Doak and Hayden Hackney netting.
Stoke City now face a Portsmouth side yet to win this season. But, given the dismal run of fixtures Pompey have started the campaign with, spirits aren’t too low at Fratton Park just yet.
Stoke City team news
Ahead of the clash with Portsmouth, Pelach confirmed that there is doubt surrounding the availability of Dutch star Million Manhoef after he came off in the defeat to Middlesbrough at the weekend.
The Stoke City head coach said there are ‘doubts’ surrounding Manhoef and he will have to be checked upon in the morning to see if he can feature.
In more positive news, it is expected that centre-back Ashley Phillips will be available for selection after following the necessary concussion protocols. He picked up the blow in the Carabao Cup tie against Fleetwood Town and has not shown any symptoms but had to follow rules and sit out.
Andre Vidigal was back in the fray against Boro too. His absence was not injury-related but he looks to be in contention with Pelach at the helm.
Bosun Lawal, Ben Pearson and Lynden Gooch remain sidelined.
Predicted XI
(4-2-3-1)
Johansson; Tchamadeu, Wilmot, Gibson, Bocat; Seko, Burger; Koumas, Moran, Bae; Cannon.
There is certainly scope for changes to the Stoke City starting XI. And, given the struggles they have endured, it would not be a surprise to see Pelach really shuffle the ranks.
However, his back five seems fairly settled, though Ashley Phillips could come in. In midfield, Tatsuki Seko will be hoping for a debut and alongside Wouter Burger, the Potters could unlock a strong partnership.
Manhoef, if fit, will definitely start, but if he’s unavailable then Andrew Moran will be favourite to take the place in attacking midfield. Jun-ho Bae and Lewis Koumas have been preferred out wide but there is room for adjustment there too.
Up top, it seems highly likely that Tom Cannon will start. Sam Gallagher returned at the weekend though and will stake his claim for a starting berth.
The post Moran in: Stoke City team news and predicted XI to face Portsmouth appeared first on The72 - Football League News.
