Premier League preview: Stoke City vs Wolves

Stoke City’s Britannia Stadium could be another stop for Wolverhampton Wanderers on the path to English Premier League relegation.

Wolves have dropped to the bottom of the table following a nightmare run of seven matches without a win, including five consecutive defeats in their last five outings.

They gave up the lead to lose 3-2 at home to fellow relegation candidates Bolton Wanderers on Saturday, a result which left them six points adrift of safety.

Speaking after the defeat, Wolves forward Michael Kightly seemed to acknowledge the hopelessness of their situation.

“To concede the amount of goals that we have been isn’t good enough,” Kightly said.

“For some reason we can’t really seem to stop it and it’s soul-destroying.

“We aren’t stupid, we’ve seen the other results too.

“But the least we can do is show heart and determination for the rest of the season.

Stoke, their opponents on Saturday, are without a win from their last five matches, but at least have a good excuse for their failure to register a win.

A tough run of fixtures saw Stoke lose 1-0 at Chelsea and 2-1 away to Liverpool in the FA Cup, followed by credible 1-1 draws away to Tottenham Hotspur and at home to Manchester City in the league.

Four successive matches against some of the country’s heavyweights must have taken their toll, because Stoke duly lost 2-0 away to strugglers Wigan Athletic last time out.

They have a perfect chance to make amends for that surprise defeat when Terry Connor’s embattled team makes a short trip north.

A fortunate Pulis has no new injury worries ahead of the visit of Wolves, with only long-term absentees Salif Diao and Mamady Sidibe unavailable for the match.

Wolves meanwhile must make do without key midfielder Jamie O’Hara (groin), while winger Stephen Hunt (hernia) is doubtful.