Stokevs.Norwich

At a time when the Potters sit in 17th position in the Championship standings, the Canaries are seventh after an impressive run of form before the October international break.

Match preview

On the back of successive defeats to Hull City and Middlesbrough, Pelach would have had concerns regarding how his Stoke side may progress under his guidance.

However, the goal glut against Portsmouth came at the right time for the Spaniard as he bids to win over a fanbase still frustrated after the exit of Steven Schumacher.

The six-goal showing versus Pompey saw Stoke improve on a run of five defeats in six league outings, before they were held to a goalless draw at Swansea City.

Although Pelach would have naturally preferred to post maximum points in South Wales, a first clean sheet in five Championship games was welcomed with open arms.

Sitting just six points adrift of the playoffs, there is an opportunity for Pelach to kick-start a playoff bid, rather than being situated closer to the relegation zone.

In the four games since Pelach left Norwich for the Potteries, his former side have seemingly taken off the handbrake in the final third.

Twelve goals have been scored in games against Watford, Derby County, Leeds United and Hull City, 10 points also being accumulated in the process.

While that improvement cannot be associated with Pelach's departure, head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup will be delighted with how his players have responded to the upheaval on the backroom staff.

Norwich have now lost just once in eight league matches, the East Anglian outfit sitting four points adrift of leaders Sunderland albeit with just four strikes coming in as many away encounters.

Stoke City Championship form:

W

L

L

L

W

D

Stoke City form (all competitions):

L

W

L

L

W

D

Norwich City Championship form:

W

L

W

W

D

W

Team News

With Sam Gallagher missing out for Stoke, Pelach must decide whether to use youngster Emre Tezgel as a straight replacement in attack.

Andre Vidigal or Million Manhoef could be drafted into the starting lineup with Lewis Koumas having been away on international duty with Wales.

Ben Pearson and Lynden Gooch are not ready to return from their respective injuries.

Norwich City goalkeeper Angus Gunn was ruled out of Scotland duty with a rib injury, leaving George Long on standby to deputise at the bet365 Stadium.

If Marcelino Nunez is ruled out, either Emiliano Marcondes or Amankwah Forson could be recalled in midfield, but Liverpool loanee Kaide Gordon is expected to remain among the replacements.

Stoke City possible starting lineup:

Johansson; Wilmot, Rose, Gibson, Bocat; Manhoef, Moran, Burger, Bae; Cannon, Tezgel

Norwich City possible starting lineup:

Long; Fisher, Duffy, Cordoba, Doyle; Nunez, McLean; Crnac, Slimane, Sainz; Sargent

We say: Stoke City 2-2 Norwich City

With Stoke gradually improving under Pelach, this should make for an entertaining game. However, Norwich have really hit their stride in the final third and we can see a high-scoring draw being played out between two sides who want to play attacking football.

Previews by email