With just three points separating Fulham and Stoke City, Stephen Kelly has described Saturday’s encounter as a “massive game”.
Prior to his arrival at Craven Cottage in July 2008, the 28-year-old spent a four-month loan spell with the Potters and although the visitors have won just one of their last eight League outings, he predicts a tough challenge lies ahead.
“I enjoyed my time at the Britannia,” said Kelly. “It was Stoke’s first season in the Premier League so it was a special period for them. I worked well with the players there and only have good things to say about the club.
“The manager [Tony Pulis] has his style of football, and it’s not too dissimilar to how Roy Hodgson had us set up in my first season at Craven Cottage in the sense that they are well drilled and organised. It might not be the prettiest, but it works for them.
“They’ve gone a long way in that time too, reaching the FA Cup Final last season and as a result they are enjoying a decent run in Europe – like we did a few years back.”
Stoke are currently fighting it out on three fronts, with a Europa League last 32 tie sandwiched between Saturday’s visit to the Cottage and next weekend’s FA Cup Fifth Round match at Crawley Town.
“When you see how far they have gone in Europe our exit in the same competition really hits home because we should be competing in Europe too,” admitted Stephen. “We know that we should have done better, and to go out like we did was heartbreaking.
“I’ll watch them in action on Thursday and, of course, there will be a strong sense of what could have been for us. Unfortunately, things didn’t work out how we had hoped, but I do wish Stoke all the best. That said, on Saturday, it’s all about three points for Fulham.
“The Premier League is always the main priority, I think every club will tell you that. We’re out of the cup competitions now, so it is obvious where our focus now is and we’re determined to finish the season as strong as possible.
“There’s only three points between us and Stoke, so this is a massive game and on the back of a couple of disappointing results we want to bounce back and get back to winning ways.”
Catch our in-depth interview with Stephen Kelly in this weekend’s official matchday programme. Purchase your copy at Craven Cottage before Saturday afternoon’s 3pm kick-off.
Tickets are now on General Sale for Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash with Stoke City at Craven Cottage. Secure your seat today!|