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Player ratings: Stoke City vs Milwall

By William Dodds

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - JANUARY 04: Michael O'Neill, Manager of of Stoke City looks on prior to the FA Cup Third Round match between Brentford FC and Stoke City at Griffin Park on January 04, 2020 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - JANUARY 04: Michael O'Neill, Manager of of Stoke City looks on prior to the FA Cup Third Round match between Brentford FC and Stoke City at Griffin Park on January 04, 2020 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images) /
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Stoke City played out a pretty disappointing 0-0 draw with Gary Rowatt’s Milwall side earlier, with both sides struggling to create chances and really threaten taking all three points.

As a result, Stoke sit just one point clear of the relegation spots and with tough matches to come against West Bromwich Albion and Swansea City, the Potters need to find some wins quickly if they are to avoid a humiliating relegation.

Here are how the Stoke players rated:

Jack Butland – 7

Made some nice saves but there wasn’t too much sent his way. He distributed well and generally provided a solid presence at the back.

Tommy Smith – 5

Not a great performance from the full-back, who wasn’t always spot on with his passing. Really needs to get forward more and provide more support to his winger, because a lack of full-back play is holding back Stoke’ attack.

Liam Lindsay – 7

Did little wrong and was part of another clean sheet for Stoke. O’Neill says he is growing in confidence and that is nice to hear.

Danny Batth – 6

Not his finest performance, but like Lindsay, he is part of a defence that isn’t conceding too many goals.

Bruno Martins-Indi – 6

For a centre-back playing out of position he is actually adding more in the attacking third than Smith. Would still like to see a proper left-back in this position.

Joe Allen – 8

Still enjoying his revival under O’Neill, he is looking like the midfield metronome Stoke need. If he can build a partnership with Nick Powell, that is promising going forward.

Sam Clucas – 7

Always tries things and can make things happen for Stoke, although they don’t always come off.

Nick Powell – 6

Clearly a good player, but needs to get involved more.

Tyrese Campbell – 7

Had Stoke’s best chance of the night and always looks a threat. Time to play him centrally with the other striker’s troubles?

Sam Vokes – 5

Works hard and had a few opportunities, but really needs to offer more of a goal threat.

James McLean – 5

Didn’t really come off for him. Needs more support though.

Thibaud Verlinden – 6

Looks like a real threat, maybe worth giving him a start?

Lee Gregory – N/A

On too late to rate.

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Stoke’s next match will be at the Hawthorns, next Monday night, as they take on high flying West Brom.