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Stoke City vs Norwich Preview: 3 key players to watch

By Matt Bernstein

ROTHERHAM, ENGLAND - JANUARY 19: Nick Powell of Stoke City celebrates after he scores his sides third goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Rotherham United and Stoke City at AESSEAL New York Stadium on January 19, 2021 in Rotherham, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
ROTHERHAM, ENGLAND - JANUARY 19: Nick Powell of Stoke City celebrates after he scores his sides third goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Rotherham United and Stoke City at AESSEAL New York Stadium on January 19, 2021 in Rotherham, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) /
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Stoke vs Norwich
STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 24: Sam Clucas of Stoke City and Ben Gibson of Norwich City during the Sky Bet Championship match between Stoke City and Norwich City at Bet365 Stadium on November 24, 2020 in Stoke on Trent, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images) /

Stoke City vs Norwich Preview: 3 key players to watch

Stoke City are winless in their last 8 Championship matches and are currently 6 points out of a playoff spot with 18 matches remaining. Stoke still have plenty of time to make a run for a playoff spot, but they need a win and they need it quick. The Potters made a rush of January signings to bolster their squad, but they’ve not been able to put together a clear, decisive, win with the added talent. Up next for Stoke is a tough matchup in Norwich City who are currently in second place in the Championship.

Stoke went up against Norwich earlier in the season in one of the most exciting matches of the season. Early in the second-half Stoke were down 0-3 and battled back to 2-3 result after an Emi Buendia red card. Before the red card, Stoke were badly outplayed so Saturday will a true test.

Last 5

Norwich: L-D-D-W-W

Stoke: D-D-L-D-D

3 Key Players to Watch

Angus Gunn

Since coming back from injury, Gunn has been fine, but has not been a noticable upgrade from Joe Bursik. He’s only given up 1 goal in two matches and has made some key saves when needed. In total, Gunn has only had five Championship starts this season, all of which have had a quite different formations and starters. With Adam Davies’ return coming soon, Gunn will need a statement game to secure any playing time going forward. If November’s match was any indication, Gunn should expect to see plenty of action against a potent attack, especially from forward Teemu Pukki who was particularly effective.

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