Fresh approach could be on the cards for Potters in East Anglia

THE absence of Ashley Phillips and a doubt over Ben Pearson could leave Mark Robins tempted to turn to an alternative plan as Stoke City head to Ipswich (7.45pm).

- Peter Smith

Ashley Phillips misses the trip to Ipswich through suspension.

(Peter Smith)

Bosun Lawal, having impressed so much at centre-half through the opening weeks of the season, was used in central midfield in the second half of a demoralising afternoon at Sheffield United on Saturday. It’s a position that still might prove his best although no one is quite sure about that, including the man himself.

That could, in turn, hand Maksym Talovierov a long-awaited chance to make his first league appearance at centre-half since joining from Plymouth Argyle in the summer. An injury in preseason meant he started the season down the pecking order and he’s since had to be patient while Stoke have maintained the best defensive record in the division.