Premier League preview: Stoke v Fulham

Fulham are aiming for five consecutive clean sheets in all competitions when they travel to Stoke City on Saturday.

Martin Jol’s men earned their first Premier League win of the season in their 6-0 thrashing of promoted Queens Park Rangers – but it was their fourth shutout with Australian shot-stopper Mark Schwarzer in goal.

Statistically, Stoke are the least attacking side in the Premier League, firing just 17 shots on target in seven games this season, meaning Schwarzer may have few worries at the Britannia Stadium.

Stoke’s attacking prowess has been boosted by the acquisition of tall striker Peter Crouch, who has fired home two goals in his past three matches.

Crouch has a scoring history against the Cottagers too, with three goals in his past five starts against the Londoners, suggesting the former Liverpool and Tottenham man may be the one to botch Fulham’s clean streak.

A man who will be hoping Fulham preserve their run of no goals conceded is right-back Stephen Kelly, who believes he can hold his spot in the XI despite Chris Baird, Aaron Hughes and Zdenek Grygera all capable of filling the role.

“There’s an opportunity at right-back and I’ve proven I’m in contention with my last couple of performances,” the 28-year-old Irishman said.

“Over the last month or so I’ve really stepped up a gear. I’ve proven to the manager I’m capable of playing in the big games, like against Chelsea and Manchester City.”

“I offer something a bit different to the others. My attributes are strong; I’m probably a bit more athletic and offer an attacking option as well.”

“There’s a few of us fighting for the position and it’s difficult, but you can only go on your last performance.”

In selection news, Stoke winger Matthew Etherington is hopeful of fronting up for the Potters after having a sugar injection in his back to help him recover from a hamstring complaint.

Striker Kenwyne Jones should return from a hamstring injury to partner Crouch up front.

Fulham’s Hughes is unlikely to be fit after the Northern Ireland international missed the chance to their final Euro 2012 qualifier in midweek due to a groin injury.