Premier League: Stoke v Norwich match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at the Britannia Stadium

Stoke manager Tony Pulis (GETTY IMAGES)

Stoke City host the Canaries at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday, as both sides look to pull clear of the Premier League drop zone and dismiss any lingering fear. The sides have become accustomed to life in the Premier League over recent seasons, but the threat of relegation remains a very real prospect as the fight for survival goes down to the wire.

After ending a dire run of results at QPR last weekend, Stoke will be looking to achieve back-to-back Premier League victories for the first time in 2013. Indeed, victory for Tony Pulis’ men will see them hit the magical 40-point mark, a position that will all-but secure the Potters’ Premier League status.

But opponents Norwich City will be no walkover; Chris Hughton’s men travel to Staffordshire buoyed by last week’s victory over Reading, their first since February. The Canaries will, however, be without Michael Turner who has been ruled out with a groin injury; Leon Barnett has been recalled from his loan spell at Cardiff as emergency cover.

KICK-OFF:Saturday, 3.00pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Norwich 1 (Johnson) Stoke 0, Premier League, November 2012

Stoke 1 (Etherington) Norwich 0, Premier League, March 2012

Norwich 1 (De Laet) Stoke 1 (Jones), Premier League, August 2011

STATS…

Norwich have won eight league games this term but have never done so by more than one-goal.

Stoke’s win at QPR was their first in eight Premier League matches.

Norwich have lost their last four trips to Stoke and haven't won in seven visits.

Stoke have scored a league-high 57% of their goals from set pieces in 2012-13.

ODDS…

Stoke to win: 2.3

Norwich to win: 3.8

Draw: 3.25

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10.30pm.