Aston Villa v Stoke: Preview and Predictions

Stoke are one of the strongest home sides in the Premier League and have a better record than many of the teams above them in the Premier League.  Their away form, however, is not as strong and we foresee a tense close fought battle this weekend between them and Aston Villa.

          Tony Pulis has been celebrated as one of the strongest Premier League managers frequently this season and his players seem dedicated to not just the club – but to his vision and values as a manager.  In spite of their strength and togetherness we expect Aston Villa to be able to man the barricades and claim a point at the least.

         

Aston Villa v Stoke – Verdict: Draw 23/10

West Ham v Stoke: Preview and Prediction

Monday 19^th November 20:00: West Ham V Stoke – Verdict: West Ham 10/11

West Ham were surprising victors at St James Park last weekend – especially when you consider they’re a team that performs far better at home.  

          The same can be said of Stoke – who were able to edge past QPR last weekend.  At home they’re are far better than they are on their travels, in spite of having drawn to Liverpool last month.

          West Ham head into this fixture as favourites and many could argue that the teams are relatively equally matched – we’re siding with West Ham simply based on home advantage and this could be a close fought battle.

Stoke v QPR: Preview and Prediction

Saturday 10^th November 15:00: Stoke v QPR – Verdict: Stoke 10/11

Mark Hughes being still in charge of QPR is most surprising and he seems to be clinging on to the position by promising a long winning streak soon to start – which doesn’t seem likely.

          Nobody can deny the achievements of Tony Pulis at Stoke and he’s been making progress with the Potters for ten years now.  Last week he celebrated in style by failing to beat Norwich away from home – but Stoke aren’t really known for their travelling form; this game may prove to be much more comfortable for a team who have held Champions League opposition from stealing all the finery on several occasions in the recent past.

          Mark Hughes will be waving to the fans, with his face like a nightshift in a boredom factory, at the end of this fixture if he fails to win.

Norwich v Stoke: Preview and Predictions

Norwich v Stoke 3rd November 15:00: Verdict Draw 12/5

Norwich have been quite inconsistent of late – which is likely to be the story of their season, regardless of whether or not they manage to avoid relegation.  A sturdy performance against Aston Villa will have helped them to build on the successes of their long-awaited victory over Arsenal – but games like this one, against Stoke, are really the ones Norwich should be aiming to win if they want to stay up.  Norwich will feel they've turned a corner after a slow start to the season and a mid-week win over Spurs will have done their confidence a world of good - but Stoke have cause to celebrate as Tony Pulis has this week been commanding the Potter's wheel of the ship for ten years.

          Stoke have travelled well this season and have managed to maintain dignity in their losses against strong sides like Chelsea and they’ll expect to be able to pick up points against the Canaries to mark the start Tony Pulis' tenth year as manager.   

          We think that over the course of ninety minutes the two sides in this fixture may cancel each other out so we’re reluctantly edging towards a draw - but putting money on this one is like betting on which sausage in a frying pan will be the first to spit.