Premier League: Stoke v Sunderland match preview

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

Sunderland winger James McClean (GETTY IMAGES)

The Britannia Stadium has been a fortress for Stoke since their promotion to the Premier League in 2008 and Tony Pulis’ side have not been beaten at home this season.

However, Sunderland managed to win at Stoke last season courtesy of a James McClean goal. Stoke have only conceded one goal at home this season and although they have only played three times at the Britannia, it is still an impressive statistic, particularly against a team such as Sunderland who are not creating a lot.

The Potters have only won one of their last six matches but they have faced Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City in this run. 

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Stoke 0 Sunderland 1 (McClean), Premier League, February 2012

Sunderland 4 (Bramble, Woodgate OG, Gardner, Larsson) Stoke 0, Premier League, September 2011

Stoke 3 (Carew, Huth 2) Sunderland 2 (Richardson, Gyan), Premier League, February 2011

STATS...

Newcastle’s Demba Ba is Sunderland's second top goalscorer in the league so far this season

These teams have only one league win apiece this season

CLASSIC MATCH...

German defender Robert Huth got a rare brace when these two sides met in February during the 2010/11 campaign. The Potters scored a late winner to secure a 3-2 win as Huth slid in from a Jermaine Pennant set-piece in the 93rd minute.

ODDS...

Stoke to win: 1.90

Sunderland to win: 3.90

Draw: 3.20

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10.25pm