Preview: Crystal Palace vs. Stoke City

Tony Pulis will come up against Stoke City for the first time since leaving them in the summer when the Potters travel to Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The 56-year-old spent 10 years as manager over two spells at the Britannia Stadium, guiding Stoke to the Premier League and then keeping them there.

His second tenure, seven years long, came to a close at the end of last season and he has since reenergised Palace's fight against relegation after being appointed Eagles chief in November.

However, his new side dropped back to the bottom of the table following their 2-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur last week and Pulis will be hoping to avoid a fourth straight winless game when City visit Selhurst Park.

The Welshman has established a fairly settled side since taking charge but may be forced into a change if Yannick Bolasie fails a late fitness test, with Jonathan Williams, who signed a new contract with the Londoners this week, on standby to start in midfield. Jack Hunt and Kagisho Dikgacoi remain out.

Barry Bannan or Adlene Guedioura could replace Damien Delaney, with Jonathan Parr moving to left-back, while Dwight Gayle could partner Marouane Chamakh in attack, with loanee Cameron Jerome ineligible to face his parent club.

Stoke have also gone four top-flight matches without tasting victory, but Potters boss Mark Hughes is able to recall Liverpool loanee Oussama Assaidi after the in-form winger missed the loss to his parent club.

John Guidetti is in contention to feature having joined on a short-term deal from Manchester City, but the Swedish striker is expected to only be on the bench should Peter Crouch be maintained up front. Kenwyne Jones will not be involved after being disciplined by the club for refusing to play against Liverpool.

Despite Stoke having conceded 14 goals in their last four Premier League outings, Hughes is not likely to make alterations in defence as Robert Huth and Andy Wilkinson are still sidelined with knee and foot problems respectively, while Jack Butland will continue to deputise for the injured Asmir Begovic in goal.

Recent form

Palace: LDLWLL

Stoke: LDLLWD

Possible starting lineups

Palace: Speroni; Ward, Mariappa, Gabbidon, Parr; Williams, Jedinak, Guedioura, Puncheon; Gayle, Chamakh

Stoke: Butland; Cameron, Wilson, Shawcross, Pieters; Whelan, N'Zonzi; Assaidi, Adam, Walters; Crouch

Sports Mole says: 1-0