Whelan doubt for Potters

Posted Saturday, October 17, 2009 by PA

Stoke midfielder Glenn Whelan is the only doubt for manager Tony Pulis as he prepares for the Barclays Premier League visit of West Ham.

The Republic of Ireland international sustained a calf injury against Italy in a World Cup qualifier last weekend.

Summer signing Tuncay Sanli, who played for Turkey on Wednesday, is edging closer to a first Barclays Premier League start after three substitute appearances.

Pulis revels in the club's underdog tag and so is not entirely comfortable with being made favourites for the visit of West Ham.

In the Potters' maiden Barclays Premier League campaign Pulis' team made a habit of being a thorn in the side of many clubs with greater top-flight experience.

However, he now finds the tables turned somewhat with the Hammers, struggling in 19th place and without a win since the opening day of the season, outsiders for victory at the Britannia Stadium.

"That is how far we have come. You have to live with expectations," said Pulis.

"But you have to keep your feet on the ground and recognise you are playing in the greatest league in the world.

"Every team you play against - apart from a few - have been there a lot longer than you have and have players with experience you haven't got.

"West Ham have an English backbone with Carlton Cole, Matthew Upson and Robert Green, and some terrific foreign players, so I expect it to be a very difficult game.

"We have to be prepared and if anyone thinks because of their position it will be walk in the park they will get a real shock."

West Ham are without the suspended Scott Parker.

The holding midfielder is banned after accumulating five yellow cards while winger Kieron Dyer is still out with a hamstring injury, but centre-half Danny Gabbidon is fit after a calf problem.

Dean Ashton (ankle) and Luis Boa Morte (knee) are long-term absentees.

West Ham's record against Stoke will be a source of inspiration to Zola. The Hammers did the double over the Potters last season and have not lost away to the midlands outfit since October 1983, a run that takes in six matches.

The Londoners coped well with Stoke's direct style and aerial bombardment when picking up six points against them last campaign and Zola is backing his team to stand firm.

"I have a lot of respect for them and their manager," he added.

"They are a tough team. We know what is coming and we need to take out our `A' game if we want to do something.

"We are going to take some measures. Last year we did very well against them and we hope to do it this year too."

West Ham have been the subject of takeover speculation this week, with former Birmingham owner David Sullivan linked with an approach to buy the Hammers.

Sullivan has insisted the timing is not right but other buyers could soon come in for the club.

Zola maintains these board issues are not his domain but recognises that an improvement in form on the pitch will make West Ham a more attractive proposition for potential buyers.

"It's the same as last year," he said.

"It is important we focus on the pitch, the rest is a matter for the club to deal with.

"The players need to make sure on the pitch everything goes right. If we do that, we help the club to find the best solution."