As Stoke City prepare to host a Burnley side that struggle on the road, we look at a potential best combined XI of the two sides.
While Burnley aren’t exactly on form away from Turf Moor, their home form is looking good enough to carry them towards top-flight safety. Would Stoke City fans want any of their starting players in their side? Let’s have a look…
Goalkeeper
1. Tom Heaton
Despite Lee Grant’s impressive run of form, it is hard to look past the England international’s abilities. Heaton is battling a calf injury that him out of the narrow loss to Manchester City last time out. If fit though, Heaton is unquestionably one of the more solid stoppers in the division.
Defenders
2. Glen Johnson
The veteran, if we can call him that yet, gets the nod at right-back. Johnson has been around the block at bit more than opposite number, Matthew Lowton. The experience and level-headedness he brings to any side is welcomed.
5. Ryan Shawcross
Perhaps the more reliable of all four potential starting centre-halves in both sides. Shawcross is almost back to his best and, provided he is fit, would start.
6. Michael Keane
The ex-Manchester United prospect has been solid for Burnley thus far. Fans have been impressed with his solid and reliable duty at the heart of a regularly tested defence. He partners Shawcross here.
3. Erik Pieters
Pieters always gets the job done. He may not be the most influential full-back in the league, but is capable of doing the basics right.
Midfielders
4. Charlie Adam
Solid performance again against Watford in the last outing. Reliable when needing to screen the defence and can get forward as and when required.
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8. Scott Arfield
The potential absence of Dean Marney gives Arfield the chance in the other holding role. A Burnley favourite, Arfield will compliment Adam nicely by being used as the main engine of the team.
7. Xherdan Shaqiri
It’s hard to see either of Stoke’s wingers not having a look in here. A solid, Man of the Match performance at Watford showed that the Swiss is keen to get back to his best.
10. Joe Allen
Returning from suspension, Allen will be keen to link back up with the rest of the attacking contingent for Stoke City. I sense he may wish to creatively expose the Burnley backline.
11. Marko Arnautovic
We say this every week, but the Austrian still isn’t at his best, yet. Despite this, he retains a spot in the XI by his ability to turn it on when it’s most needed.
Attack
9. Sam Vokes
While the continued absence of form of Wilfried Bony continues, he simply cannot be selected. A few appearances off the bench maybe what he needs. Instead, the workhorse that is Sam Vokes gets the start.
Substitutes
12. Lee Grant
13. Bruno Martins Indi
14. Ben Mee
15. Gianelli Imbula
16. Steven Defour
17. Glen Whelan
18. Andre Gray
So there we have it…your combined best XI for Stoke City’s upcoming game with Burnley. Agree? Disagree? Let us know in the comments below!