Premier League preview: Aston Villa v Stoke

Peter Crouch can further his claim to a place in England’s Euro 2012 squad when Stoke City travel to Aston Villa on Monday.

Stoke defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 on Saturday, with Crouch netting the winner in the English Premier League match at the Britannia Stadium.

Striker Crouch, 31, has netted eight goals in 26 league appearances this season, including a spectacular strike during a 1-1 home draw with Manchester City last month.

And Stoke manager Pulis believes the experienced front man would prove an asset to England at the European Championships in Poland and Ukraine.

“I’d definitely take Peter to the Euros because he’s a game changer and I don’t think foreign sides like playing against Peter. We found that in Europe,” he said.

“He gives you that aerial presence. Whoever is picking the team, and we don’t know who that is yet, but Peter is a game changer and you need them in your side.”

Next up for Stoke is a short trip to face fellow Midlands side Aston Villa, who earned a credible 1-1 draw away to Liverpool last time out.

Villa have struggled badly for consistency this season, and have managed just one win from their previous nine matches.

They are 16th on the table, six points clear of the drop zone, and by no means safe with seven rounds of the campaign still to come.

For Stoke, defender Andy Wilkinson is in doubt with a groin strain, while midfielder Salif Diao is yet to return from hamstring trouble.

Villa will be missing defenders Richard Dunne (shoulder), Ciaran Clark (knee) and Carlos Cuellar (thigh), while winger Charles N’Zogbia (knee) is in doubt.

The long-term absence of striker Darren Bent (ankle) continues to be felt, while midfielder Stiliyian Petrov has been forced to retire as he battles acute leukaemia.