Preview: Stoke City vs. Swansea City

Stoke City manager Mark Hughes will be hopeful of his side returning to winning ways when they host Swansea City at the Britannia Stadium.

The Potters find themselves languishing in 16th place in the table after what has been a competitive start to the Premier League campaign, but Hughes won't have too many concerns regarding the performances of his side.

Midfielder Glenn Whelan is a major doubt for the game on Sunday afternoon after being withdrawn during Republic of Ireland's 1-1 draw in Germany on Tuesday night, while Marko Arnautovic and Robert Huth could also miss out with minor knocks.

Swansea City have held on to fifth position in the standings despite twice letting slip a one-goal advantage at home to Newcastle United.

That setback prevented the Swans from sitting in a Champions League spot during the international break, but coach Garry Monk will be delighted with the start to the campaign.

Monk will be without Jonjo Shelvey through suspension but right-back Angel Rangel returns after serving a one-match ban.

Recent form

Stoke City: WLDWWL

Swansea City: WLLWDD

Possible starting lineups

Stoke City: Begovic; Bardsley, Shawcross, Wilson, Muniesa; Nzonzi, Adam; Walters, Ireland, Moses; Crouch

Swansea City: Fabianski; Rangel, Fernandez, Williams, Taylor; Ki, Carroll; Sigurdsson, Dyer, Routledge; Bony

Sports Mole says: 1-1