Stoke vs Crystal Palace: Premier League match preview

With safety assured for another season - where can either side go from here?

Alan Pardew (GETTY IMAGES)

How quickly things change in football. It was at the Britannia Stadium six months ago where Alan Pardew was at his lowest ebb in management, with Newcastle supporters baying for blood following an appalling run of one win in 14 and his job receiving unbearable media scrutiny. He returns to Stoke on Saturday in much better spirits, having swapped the stressful job at St James’ Park for more familiar home comforts at Selhurst Park, and he has guided them to seven wins from 12.

Mark Hughes’ Stoke need just three more wins to better last season’s record haul of 50 points, and look set for their best ever season in the top-flight. The Potters were unable to make it four wins in a row at The Hawthorns last weekend, but will be looking to get back into the winning habit against Palace on Saturday.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3pm.

PAST THREE MEETINGS...

Crystal Palace (McArthur) 1-1 Stoke City (Crouch), Premier League, December 2014

Crystal Palace (Puncheon) 1-0 Stoke City, Premier League, January 2014

Stoke City (Adam, Shawcross) 2-1 Crystal Palace (Chamakh), Premier League, August 2013

ODDS: Newcastle 5/1 Draw 14/5 Arsenal 4/7

STATS...

Crystal Palace have kept just two clean sheets in 12 games under Alan Pardew.

Stoke need just three wins to surpass last season’s record haul of 50 points.

Stoke haven’t won at Selhurst Park since a 3-1 victory in October 2007.

CLASSIC MATCH...

Crystal Palace 6-3 Stoke City - 2004

Andy Johnson hit a first-half hat-trick as Crystal Palace sunk Stoke City in ruthless fashion. The 23 year old lobbed Ed de Goey for the first, and soon scored two penalties following a John Eustace leveller. Clive Clarke pulled one back for The Potters, but Michael Hughes and Neil Shipperley put the hosts in firm control. Carl Asaba bagged a late penalty for Stoke, before Wayne Routledge capped off a wonderful day for The Eagles with a sixth.

TV: MOTD - BBC1 - 10.20pm