Here’s an interview from Stoke City fan Nik Godridge ahead of Sundays game.

How long have you supported Stoke?
I’ve been going to Stoke since ’89, when the big fences came down after Hillsborough. That along with a slight lull in the violence around that time made watching Stoke safe enough. I was 9 at that time.

Expectations for Stoke for the remainder of the Season?
Well, we’re probably about six points away from ensuring Prem football again for next season, so i’m pretty happy with the way things have panned out. I’m not greedy, I’m pretty realistic as to what we can hope to achieve, any improvement on last seasons 12th place would be enough to keep me happy, but the FA Cup and Europa football for next season would be nice!!

Which Stoke players should we look out for?
That’s a tricky one, I suppose i’d have to say Ricardo Fuller on his day. The last couple of matches in the cup have been fantastic for us, Tony Pulis is not known for taking too many chances in the league, opting to play it safe especially away from home, so the cup’s been a joy, with certain players putting in some big performances. I think the match against Arsenal in the 4th round was about as good as i’ve seen us this season, second half we really tore them apart, then against Man City the other week second half and throughout ET we were by far the better side. Thing is, we don’t really have any one player who’s outshining all the rest, I have my favourites but they’re hardly the flare players you’d be used to down the Bridge! Ryan Shawcross is quality, but you’re not gonna be seeing him unfortunately! (think Fabio missed a trick not giving him a run out with JT on Wednesday, reckon his pace coupled with terry’s experience could well be a winning formula. We all know Rio’s shagged, and in my opinion Matty Upson’s too slow and no better centre half than Ryan) Watch Delap simply for the throw, although he did bag one at yours last season, also Tuncay’s lively but can run round like a headless Chicken sometimes! bit lightweight too.

Your favourite Chelsea player?
Of this Chelsea side I’d probably go with JT, he’s geting some real bad press at the minute, but he’s been a top centre half for long enough now. If he’s feeling unloved round your way I’d love to see him turning out for us! not that i’ve got many complaints with Robert Huth. As i’ve already said though, reckon he and Shawcross could be a solid pairing for England. Ha, the press would have a field day with that one! Of course we both share a love and respect for Alan Hudson and Mark Stein.

Chelsea’s chances of winning the title?
It would be nice.. I think we probably did you no favours losing to the Arsenal last weekend, there really wasn’t much we could do once we were down to ten men. Think you’re lookin’ at a three horse race with yourselves, Arsenal and Man Utd fighting it out. Out of the three it’s anyone’s guess yet, but i’m no fan of Utd and Wenger and Fabregas aren’t in the good books round our way just now! I’d like to see you turn things round in Europe too.

Your prediction for our upcoming FA Cup game?
Honest?? I think you’ll be too strong for us. I hate to say that as we’ve played well in the cup and we probably owe you one, on the backing of our last couple of meets in the league! But we’re a very different proposition playing away from home than we are at Stoke. if we were at the Brit then perhaps we could squeeze through, but it’s a big ask at yours. Think both sides are suffering some shitty press at the minute, i’m not sure how that’s gonna effect us yet but it’s told already for you boys in one or two games, it might not be the classic FA Cup tie we’re all hoping for but fingers crossed eh? I’ll be happy if we finish with 11 players on the pitch for a change!! Watch those long throws lads, and good look with the rest of the season. (that is bar our two games!)