If Stoke win this fixture and Newcastle and Boro both lose, Stoke’s premiership future next season is assured. Stoke therefore have a lot to play for and their record at the Britannia Stadium is excellent (currently unbeaten in last 7 home games). The Potters will be hoping that James Beattie will pass a last minute fitness test to maximise their chances of passing the magical 40 point threshold.
The Hammers too will be looking for full points this weekend as they are one of the teams chasing hard for European football next year. They will be hoping that Fulham will drop points against Chelsea and therefore a victory over the Potters will put them back in seventh place. Scott Parker is still out although Kieran Dyer is available to start.