PREVIEW: STOKE v CITY
An in-depth look at City's trip to the Britannia
Stoke City v Cardiff City
Venue: Britannia Stadium
Date: Wednesday, 4th December, KO 7.45pm
Nav it: ST4 4EG
Match-tag:#STKCAR (Live tweets on@CardiffCityFC)
LISTEN LIVE ON CARDIFF CITY PLAYER
The Bluebirds travel to Stoke City and the Britannia Stadium for a first meeting between the two sides in the Barclays Premier League.
MATCH FACTS
- Stoke have won four and lost none of their last six meetings in all competitions against Cardiff City (W4 D2 L0).
- There have been just five goals scored in the last five Barclays Premier League matches played at the Britannia Stadium.
- Cardiff City have committed just 111 fouls this season - fewer than any other team in the top flight while only Southampton (178) have conceded more than Stoke (177).
- Stoke City have won just one of their last 10 Premier League games (W1 D4 L5).
- Stoke are one of three teams yet to score a headed goal this season along with Spurs and West Ham.
- No team has conceded more headed goals than Stoke City (six, along with Fulham and Newcastle).
KEY PLAYER: Marko Arnautovic
If fit, Marko Arnautovic has proved to be a shrewd piece of summer business by manager Mark Hughes, having proved to be influential in the Potters’ midfield since his arrival from Werder Bremen. The Austrian International missed Stoke’s last match against Goodison Park and remains a doubt for Wednesday night’s game.
IN-FORM PLAYER: Steven N’Zonzi
Possibly the Potters’ most creative influence so far this season alongside midfielders Stephen Ireland and Glenn Whelan, N’Zonzi is enjoying his most consistent campaign at the Britannia Stadium since arriving from Blackburn Rovers in 2012. His goal against Sunderland last month, helped secure three vital points.
RECENT FORM (ALL COMPETITIONS):
Cardiff City: LLDWDL
Last time out: Cardiff City 0-3 Arsenal – Saturday, 30th November, Barclays Premier League.
A brace from Aaron Ramsey and a Mathieu Flamini goal was enough to claim the three points for table topping Gunners at Cardiff City Stadium as they pulled seven points clear at the top at the expense of Malky Mackay’s determined Bluebirds.
Team – Cardiff City: Marshall, Taylor (Cornelius 87), Turner, Caulker ©, Théophile-Catherine, Whittingham, Medel, Cowie, Mutch, Kim (Noone, 75), Campbell (Odemwingie 65). Subs not used: Lewis, Hudson Gunnarsson, Bellamy.
LDDDWL Stoke City:
Last time out: Everton 4-0 Stoke City – Saturday, 30th November, Barclays Premier League.
Mark Hughes suffered his heaviest defeat as manager of the Potters as Everton ran out comfortable victors at Goodison Park on Saturday. Goals from Gerard Deulofeu, Seamus Coleman, Bryan Oviedo and Romelu Lukaku claimed the victory for Roberto Martinez’ side.
Team – Stoke City: Begovic, Shawcross, Pieters, Cameron, Muniesa, Whelan, Walters (Shea, 59), Adam (Jones, 59), Nzonzi, Assaidi, Crouch.Subs not used: Sorensen, Wilson, Palacios, Ireland, Wilkinson.
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Stoke: Evens
Draw: 12/5
Cardiff City: 11/4
Match Special: Fraizer Campbell to score first in a 2-0 win for the Bluebirds… Odds of 80/1! Click here to put your matchday bet on now!
LAST COMPETITIVE MEETING:
2010-11: Tuesday, 18th January 2011, FA Cup third round replay – Cardiff City 0-2 Stoke City
Two goals in extra-time from Jonathan Walters consigned City to a 2-0 defeat at Cardiff City Stadium in this FA Cup third round replay, setting up a fourth round tie with Wolverhampton Wanderers for the Potters.
Cardiff line-up: Heaton, Naylor, Gyepes, Hudson, Burke, Rae, Blake, Drinkwater (Matthews, 75), McPhail (Wildig, 39), Parkin (Chopra, 64), Keogh. Subs not used: Marshall, McNaughton, John, Jarvis.
REFEREE: Michael Oliver
At just 25 years of age, Michael Oliver became the youngest referee in Premier League history when he took charge of Birmingham City’s clash with Blackburn Rovers in August 2010, and he has remained a top flight official ever since.
Oliver’s rapid rise up the Football League ladder culminated in being added to the Select Group of referees for the 2010/11 season. Prior to his time in the Premier League, Oliver was a Football League referee for three years after learning his trade with four years at non-league level.
In 2012, his quick progress was rewarded as he was elevated to the FIFA list of referees, making him now eligible to take charge of fixtures in the Champions League and Europa League, as well as UEFA internationals.
