City face Stoke without Koumas or Thompson

Last updated : 10 February 2006 By Michael Morris
Jason Koumas picked up his 5th booking of the season last Saturday and has to sit out tomorrow's game against Stoke City.

It's a blow to the Bluebirds who look to Koumas for the creative spark in midfield and his set piece plays.

Dave Jones has also confirmed that Steve Thompson will be missing after undergoing surgery on his finger. Thompson severed nerves in his digit while slicing an apple. Glenn Loovens is not ready to return and City are still without the long term injured Paul Parry.

The absence of Thompson could mean a start for Guy Nsungu, that would then leave a space on the bench for Andrea Ferretti. Both Nsungu and Ferretti scored in the reserves victory at the beginging of the week.

In midfield we have options, Cooper, Ardley, Scimeca, Ledley, Whitley, Boland. It's unknown what combination of players Jones will use and will he bring back Rhys Weston at right back or leave Ardley there? (Ardley played that position at Palace after Rhys was dropped).

Darren Purse and Neil Cox will be the centre halves, thankfully the FAW said Purse had no case to answer after kicking a wall and a substitutes board after being sent off against Plymouth, if they had found him guilty this week he could have missed the game.

If I were to guess at the team I'd go for

Alexander, Ardley, Purse, Cox, Barker, Cooper, Scimeca, Whitley or Boland, Ledley, NSungu and Jerome.

Subs from Margetson, Weston, Darlington, Boland or Whitley, Mulryne, Ferretti.

Stoke City will give a debut to new loan signing Josip Skoko. The Australian midfielder has signed from Wigan. It's unsure if top striker Sam Bangoura will play. He was due back from the African Cup of Nations but has not turned up

Stoke Chief Exec Tony Scholes told their official website

"What has happened this week is just not acceptable for this football club and that will be made quite clear. He has been disrespectful to the club, his team-mates and our supporters and we will take appropriate action."

Kick off at Ninian Park is at 3:00pm.