Tony Pulis has handed Shola Ameobi and Stephen Pearson their home debuts for this evening's televised clash against Crystal Palace.

The City boss has been handed a blow though with the news that Liam Lawrence has failed a late fitness test and isn't named in the squad.

Mamady Sidibe also returns after shrugging off his injury and he partners the on loan Newcastle man in attack.

On loan Derby star Pearson starts on the left flank, with Glenn Whelan and Rory Delap occupying the central midfield roles.

Richard Cresswell drops back in to midfield and starts on the right while Danny Pugh comes back in at left back with Carl Dickinson dropping to the bench.

Leon Cort also passed a late fitness test and partners Chris Riggott in the heart of defence, against his former club.

Clint Hill also starts for the visitors, marking his first return to the Britannia following his permanent move in January.

Stoke City (4-4-2): Nash; Griffin (C), Riggott, Cort, Pugh; Cresswell, Whelan, Delap, Cresswell, Sidibe, Ameobi. Subs: Simonsen, Shawcross, Dickinson, Bothroyd, Fuller.

Crystal Palace (4-4-2): Speroni; Lawrence, Fonte, Hudson (C), Hill; Soares, Derry, Watson, Sinclair; Morrison, Moses. Subs: Robinson, Scannell, Fletcher, Butterfield, Reid.