Premier League preview: Stoke City v Fulham

Mark Hughes’ future at Fulham could depend on how his side fares in a difficult trip to Stoke City on Tuesday.

The former Manchester City and Blackburn Rovers manager has found himself under increasing pressure as Fulham’s English Premier League campaign has faltered, with Saturday’s 3-1 home loss to previously bottom West Ham dropping Hughes’ men into the relegation zone.

Fulham’s last league win came on October 31 at home to Wigan, with the West London outfit picking up just four points of a possible 24 since.

Stoke City on their home turf at the Britannia Stadium will present a huge challenge for Fulham, particularly given the former carry winning form into the match.

Tony Pulis’ men returned from embattled Blackburn on Sunday with a 2-0 win, moving them up to eighth on the table.

Neither side have any new injury concerns going into Tuesday, with Mamady Sidibe (Stoke) and Bobby Zamora and Philippe Senderos (both Fulham) remaining long-term absentees.

It would prove a beneficial time for Fulham frontman Andy Johnson – still finding his feet after returning from a broken leg – to score his first goal for the club in 24 Premier League games.

It would help Hughes at least assure his short-term future at the club, but finding a way through Stoke’s defence will be no easy matter for Fulham.

Fulham must also be wary of Stoke’s attacking threat, with Kenwyne Jones, Jon Walters and Matthew Etherington sharing 10 goals between them this campaign.