Moran returns: Stoke City team news and predicted XI to face Preston

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Stoke City are back in Championship action tonight as they prepare to face early strugglers Preston North End at home.

Stoke City come into their Tuesday night clash with Preston North End looking to get back to winning ways after a frustrating draw with QPR at the weekend.

Tom Cannon scored his 7th goal of the Championship campaign but a Ben Gibson own-goal pegged the Potters back as they drew 1-1. It leaves them slap bang in mid-table, sat 12th with 20 points from 16 games.

Back on home turf though, Narcis Pelach will be hopeful of overcoming another struggling side this time around.

Preston North End make the journey to the Bet365 Stadium sat 20th in the Championship table with just three wins in 16 games. Only a point separates them and the bottom three with a little over a third of the campaign down.

Stoke City team news

Speaking to the media ahead of the Tuesday night clash, Potters boss Pelach confirmed midfielder Andy Moran will be available for selection after he missed the trip to QPR (as relayed by Stoke on Trent Live).

The Irishman woke up feeling unwell on Saturday morning, suffering from a fever.

Wouter Burger will be back in contention after serving his suspension but fellow midfielder Jordan Thompson just now sit out for the same reason after being booked late on against the R’s.

Lynden Gooch has been back in training and is available for selection but time will tell if he’s picked. Bosun Lawal has also been stepping up his return to full fitness.

Predicted XI

(4-2-3-1)

Johansson; Tchamadeu, Phillips, Gibson, Stevens; Burger, Seko; Manhoef, Moran, Bae; Cannon.

There could be a handful of changes for the midweek clash. Stoke City full-backs Junior Tchamadeu and Enda Stevens should be hopeful of regaining their places in the side over Ben Wilmot and Enda Stevens.

The same goes for Andy Moran and Wouter Burger. The latter could slot in alongside Tatsuki Seko, with Moran operating further forward and pushing Bae Jun-ho out to the left.

That would see Lewis Koumas drop back to the bench, with Million Manhoef on the other wing and talisman Cannon up top.

Sol Sidibe may feel hard done by to lose his spot but more senior options are likely to be favoured as the promising midfielder continues to find his feet.

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