Tony Pulis has kept faith with the same side which beat Bristol City for this afternoon's crucial encounter against Colchester United.

Two goal hero Mamady Sidibe passed a late fitness test and partners Ricardo Fuller up front.

15 goal winger Liam Lawrence retains his spot on the right hand side of midfield, with Rory Delap continuing to skipper the side in Andy Griffin's absence.

On loan Middlesbrough man Chris Riggott makes his third start at right back along side Leon Cort, Ryan Shawcross and Carl Dickinson.

Stoke City: Nash, Riggott, Cort, Shawcross, Dickinson, Lawrence, Delap, Whelan, Cresswell, Fuller, Sidibe. Subs: Simonsen, Pugh, Wilkinson, Pearson, Ameobi.

Colchester United: Gerken, White, Jackson, Coyne, Duguid (C), Ifil, Virgo, Lisbie, Hammond, Vernon, Elito. Subs: Sheringham, Platt, Izzet, Balogh, Cousins.