STOKE NEED TO DISCOVER RUTHLESS STREAK IF THEY WANT PROMOTION GLORY
BENIK AFOBE OR SAIDO
BERAHINO FOR CENTRE-FORWARD? SAIDO Berahino had deserved his chance down the middle thanks to his tenacity on the left. But it’s only goals that will keep him there, however they come. Whether that’s reading Sam Clucas’ through-ball or dinking that chip right in the wind in the second half, he’s got to seize the moment. Afobe was cool with his penalty and that’s now seven for the season. It was the fourth goal from a sub this season. It’s a close call who will get the nod against Millwall, while Tyrese Campbell was preferred on the bench to Mame Diouf and Peter Crouch has been linked with a January move away, even if it would be a surprise if Gary Rowett was willing to let his Plan B go without a fight, model pro or not. Anyone who shows a clinical touch can bank on the shirt – and be a major factor in turning draws into wins.
JAMES MCCLEAN COMES TO
THE PARTY JAMES Mcclean came back into the starting XI and made the first and the second, ducking and diving with direct running into the area. In foul conditions, it was probably his best attacking performance since joining Stoke in the summer. This was his aggression and energy at its best. He might have scored a couple too, although he did force a neat save from Nyland with one first-half volley. At 29, fit as a flea and with a manager who obviously trusts him, this is his opportunity to keep delivering.
RYAN SHAWCROSS CEMENTS PLACE IN HALL OF FAME list of all-time appearances. He’s featured in 426 of Stoke’s 524 games since August 2007 – or 8.3 per cent of the club’s games ever. He’s played with 119 different players in the league, at least one for every letter of the alphabet barring Q, X and Y (if Stoke are looking for a priority in the January transfer window). Whatever happens next he’s already guaranteed legend status – but there’s room for at least one more big chapter, right? DO you agree with Peter Smith’s views? Have your say on our website by visiting stokeontrentlive.co.uk