Saturday afternoon presents the perfect opportunity for Stoke City to continue their surge up the Sky Bet Championship table, with a home clash against struggling Ipswich Town.

The Potters have turned a corner in recent weeks having gone unbeaten in their previous seven league outings, and Gary Rowett's men have shot up to 12th in the table - seven points off the play-off places.

And, there is no better opportunity for Rowett's men to secure a crucial three points this weekend, as they prepare to host an Ipswich Town side that have won just one single game all season and find themselves sitting rock bottom of the table.

It could be a potential banana skin for the Potters, however - Tractor Boys boss Paul Lambert returns to Stoke for the first time since his sacking and will be hoping to get revenge on the Staffordshire club with three points.

This is the Championship, of course, so there is no room for complacency - here, we take a look at the Stoke XI that Rowett needs to play against Ipswich on Saturday...

Butland has been an ever-present in between the sticks for Stoke this season. The Potters will be praying that the unlikely happens and that he'll stay beyond January.

Martina is another player who has impressed at right-back this term and there is no reason why he should be dropped this weekend.

The first change should come in the form of Williams in for Ryan Shawcross.

The latter hasn't been at his best this season and even though Williams also had a slow start to the season, he has forged a good understanding with Martins Indi.

Martins Indi has been a reliable figure at the back this season.

Pieters completes a backline that faces just one change from the 2-2 draw at Reading last weekend.

The midfield areas is where Stoke have been at their best in recent weeks. Allen is one of three players that deserve to keep their place in the team.

Woods is proving like money well spent following his move from Brentford, and will be a hugely important player for Stoke going forward.

Clucas is another player in fine form and will be another integral player for them going forwards.

Ince made it two goals in a week against Reading on Saturday and we all know how much of a dangerous player he is on his day.

Afobe scored Stoke's opener on Saturday, and after being such a clinical forward for Wolves in the past, he will be looking to replicate that form this season.

Completing the team is McClean, who will be looking to improve on his below-par performances of late.