CHERRIES travel to Stoke City in the Premier League tomorrow (3pm). Here, we take a look at the Staffordshire side’s three main men.
JACK BUTLAND
The England stopper finally has his shot at the big time after a series of loan spells in the Championship.
Butland shone back at boyhood club Birmingham, Leeds and Derby before being thrust into the Premier League limelight this season and boy has he grabbed his chance.
Stoke may have endured a shaky start but their keeper has made 30 saves so far – more than any other top-flight keeper.
XHERDAN SHAQIRI
Potters smashed their club record to sign the Switzerland international playmaker for £12million last month and already he looks a savvy purchase.
Stoke’s new box of tricks has displayed glimpses of his capabilities so far and produced a plucky showing against England at Wembley.
Direct with pace, Cherries will have to be on their toes to stop him wreaking havoc.
PETER CROUCH
One from left field given his lack of game time this season, perhaps, but Crouch’s knack of pouching crucial goals cannot be questioned.
Just four shy of his century of Premier League strikes and having plundered 22 goals in 42 England appearances, the gangly star is always a threat.
Spent his summer recovering from groin surgery and a subsequent infection but after netting the winner at Fulham in the League Cup on Tuesday, Crouch has declared himself ready for league duties.
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