Time for Dave Kitson to stand up (From Northwich Guardian)

Stoke City v West Bromwich Albion preview

12:12pm Friday 21st November 2008

• Print
• Email

TOMORROW’S match against the Baggies may prove to be the most important game in Stoke City’s entire season.

There is so much more at stake than the three points that would keep the Potters in mid table safety.

This is not just another game. It is our first chance to respond to the disappointment of losing 5-0 to Manchester United.

We did that brilliantly the last time we suffered a bad defeat, at Manchester City, with two home wins against Sunderland and Arsenal.

Now we have West Brom followed by Premiership surprise package Hull City on successive Saturdays at the Brit.

A win tomorrow and at least a draw on November 29 will keep the team’s confidence high going into the pre-festive season programme.

Given his hat trick against the Baggies last season, Tony Mowbray probably ran around his team’s dressing room pumping his fists when he heard Fuller won’t face them.

Ian Probert bemoans Ricardo Fuller's absence against West Brom

So what are our prospects? Suspension means no Ricardo tomorrow, not even on the bench.

Given his hat trick against the Baggies last season, Tony Mowbray probably ran around his team’s dressing room pumping his fists when he heard Fuller won’t face them.

Ricardo has been our talisman, so other players are going to have to step out of his shadow and do the business.

Like Dave Kitson. Fuller’s absence should allow him to play on the last defender, which is apparently what he wants.

And I expect a far more attack-minded line up than the ones we have seen in recent games. Packing the midfield made sense for a game against Arsenal, but West Brom are nowhere near as dangerous a team.

We are not so blessed with attacking talent that we can afford to leave out the likes of Tom Soares and Michael Tonge languishing in the reserves, particularly when there is no Ricardo to provide the unexpected.

If we can find a system that gets Kitson in scoring positions, we can continue our remarkable recent record against West Brom.

Here’s hoping…