Gary Rowett to make 5 changes – Strongest 4-1-4-1 Stoke City XI to face Blackburn Rovers

Predicted Stoke City line-up to face Blackburn Rovers in the Championship

Stoke City picked up an important 1-0 victory against Swansea City in mid-week and will be relieved move away from the relegation zone. Gary Rowett will now be aiming to collect a positive run of results as the Potters bid to make a swift return to the Premier League next season.

Gary Rowett’s men come up against Blackburn Rovers in the league next and a win would see the Potters move above them on the table. Rovers played out a 0-0 stalemate against Derby County in the mid-week and will be out to prove a point as well.

Team News

Ibrahim Afellay, James McClean and Sam Clucas are still out.

Probable Stoke City XI

Manager: Gary Rowett

Formation: 4-1-4-1

Jack Butland (GK)

Butland’s saves will be vital for Stoke in their bid to return to England’s top-tier.

Cuco Martina (RB)

Martina has started well after making the loan move from Merseyside this season. He will continue at right-back.

Ryan Shawcross (CB)

Shawcross is their leader at the back and will definitely start this game.

Ashley Williams (CB)

Williams should partner Shawcross for this game, handing Martins Indi a rest.

Erik Pieters (LB)

Pieters’ raids down the left flank will pose all sorts of problems for Blackburn Rovers.

Darren Fletcher (CDM)

Fletcher was rested for the game against Swansea City and will sit right in front of the defenders for this game.

Tom Ince (RM)

Ince’s distribution and crossing have been fruitful for the Potters so far. Gary Rowett will want more of the same against Blackburn.

Peter Etebo (RCM)

Etebo’s defensive work rate is excellent and that’s why he will be crucial in the middle of the park for Stoke.

Joe Allen (LCM)

Allen scored the only goal in the 1-0 win against Swansea City and is in good form ahead of this game.

Bojan (LM)

Bojan should be handed a start in place of Diouf. The former Barcelona man is capable of punishing the opponents in the final third.

Read more: Why Stoke City letting go of their 14-goal star could turn out to be a terrible blunder

Saido Berahino (ST)

Berahino did pick up a goal the last time he played. He should be handed a start so that he gets a chance to maintain the momentum.