Stoke City received a fitness boost ahead of the clash against free flowing Fulham.

Jordan Thompson and Ben Wilmot have both returned to training ahead of their upcoming home fixture with Fulham. 

Stoke published photos from Clayton Wood this morning, with Thompson back in action as he returns from knee surgery and self-isolation. Wilmot has also returned from isolation. 

Marco Silva’s side simply can’t stop scoring as they took the lead in the Championship last night. They made it 19 goals from their last three games following another 6-2 victory.

They have hammered Reading, Bristol City and Lee Bowyer’s side in the last week. Scores such as 7-0 and two 6-2s make this a daunting tie for Stoke.

 

 

Ominously, Silva admitted that the recent win over Birmingham wasn’t the level he wants his Fulham side to be playing at. 

"It wasn't our best performance but we created chances and scored goals from some very good attacking moments. I expected us to control the ball better but we were the best team on the pitch and I have to congratulate my players again,” said SIlva in the aftermath of their latest 6-2, via the Stoke Sentinel

Michael O’Neill’s side are eighth in the Championship table, with 38 points from 25 games. 

Stoke ended a two game losing streak with victory over Hull City on January 16. Goals courtesy of Jacob Brown and Tom Ince secured the three points with relative comfort. 

Up next for the Potters is the visit of Fulham, who come to the Bet365 Stadium on January 22. 

The Verdict

Stoke have every reason to believe they’re the underdogs going into this weekend’s game. Despite being in a respectable position in the league table, Fulham’s form has been simply unstoppable. 

Silva’s side have shown that there are weaknesses in defence, conceding four goals in two games isn’t the base of a sound backline. 

However, containing their attacking outlets will make for an incredibly taxing 90 minutes and O’Neill’s men will have to be at their very best to keep them quiet.