Stoke boss Tony Pulis has a welcome selection headache as he prepares the Championship leaders for Tuesday's clash with Preston at Deepdale.

Pulis has Danny Pugh back at his disposal after the former North End defender completed a one-match ban, but could opt to stick with Carl Dickinson at left-back.

Dickinson came in for Pugh - who was signed from Preston on a permanent deal in January - in the 1-0 win over Ipswich at the weekend and the 20-year-old proved an able replacement during his first start in a month.

Goalkeeper Marton Fulop is also pushing regular stopper Steve Simonsen for the place in goal after arriving on loan from Premier League Sunderland on Friday.

Rory Delap plays his final game before serving a one-game suspension after amassing his fifth booking of the season, while Paul Gallagher and Richard Cresswell are too more former Preston stars who will be keen to start.

Gabriel Zakuani (broken toe) joins Dominic Matteo (foot) on the sidelines as the Potters go in search of a sixth successive win that would take them four points clear at the Championship summit.

Teamtalk / Eurosport