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A combined best XI: Stoke City vs Burnley

By Jack Dudley

BURNLEY, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 26: Sam Vokes of Burnley and Yaya Toure of Manchester City compete for the ball during the Premier League match between Burnley and Manchester City at Turf Moor on November 26, 2016 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
BURNLEY, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 26: Sam Vokes of Burnley and Yaya Toure of Manchester City compete for the ball during the Premier League match between Burnley and Manchester City at Turf Moor on November 26, 2016 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /
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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!