Last Updated: Mon, 01 Feb 2010 11:38
Stoke have been boosted by the news Abdoulaye Faye has shaken off a calf injury in time for Monday night's trip to Sunderland.
The powerful defender missed the FA Cup triumph over Arsenal last weekend, but he is in line to feature alongside Ryan Shawcross in the centre of defence at the Stadium of Light. That means former Sunderland man Danny Higginbotham will move from centre-back to replace another former Black Cat, Danny Collins, at left-back.
Robert Huth will continue at right-back ahead of Andy Wilkinson following a solid display in the 3-1 victory against the Gunners.
Salif Diao is on standby to return to partner Dean Whitehead in midfield if boss Tony Pulis wants to tighten things up, despite Glenn Whelan's good display last week.
Mama Sidibe is set to start in attack after an impressive performance in the FA Cup win, while Ricardo Fuller's two goals against the Gunners should see him start ahead of Tuncay.