Good afternoon all and thank you for joining us as we bring you live coverage of Stoke City's Premier League clash with Brighton & Hove Albion at the bet365 Stadium. Both sides will be hoping for three points today as they aim to stave off a relegation battle, with just three points separating the Potters in 18th and the Seagulls in the 13th position in the table.

STOKE CITY STARTING XI: Butland; Bauer, Shawcross, Zouma, Pieters; Fletcher; Shaqiri, Allen, Badou, Choupo-Moting; Diouf

STOKE CITY SUBSTITUTES: Grant; Johnson, Berahino, Jese, Adam, Cameron, Ramadan

BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION STARTING XI: Ryan; Schelotto, Duffy, Dunk, Bong; March, Stephens, Propper, Izquierdo; Gross; Murray

BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION SUBSTITUTES: Bruno, Kayal, Knockaert, Ulloa, Goldson, Locadia, Krul

So the major news for Stoke fans is that Paul Lambert has made two changes to the side that lost last weekend away at Bournemouth. Both Darren Fletcher and Mame Biram Diouf return in place of Geoff Cameron and Peter Crouch.

The home side are to operate with a four-five-one formation that has Diouf playing up top alone. The Potters have also handed a home debut to new signing Badou Ndiaye, who provided an assist on his club debut last weekend.

Another piece of important news for the hosts is that young striker Jese has finally returned to the squad fold. The forward has been out of action since 2 December, having been given time off to be with his prematurely-born son.

As for the visitors, Glenn Murray continues on his own up top, with further support being provided by the influential Pascal Gross. New club-record signing Jurgen Locadia will have to make an impact from the bench following recent hamstring trouble. There is also a place on the bench for cult legend Leonardo Ulloa.

Hughton has kept his faith in the players that overturned West Ham United comfortably last time out in the league. The club's only serious absentees remain in the shape of Steve Sidwell and Jiri Skalak.

This game represents a huge opportunity for both teams to lift themselves away from a potential relegation scrap. Paul Lambert endured his first defeat as Stoke boss last weekend in a 2-1 defeat to Eddie Howe's Bournemouth, having previously picked up four points from his opening two matches without conceding a single goal.

As things stand, the Potters currently find themselves in the bottom three, level on points with 17th-placed Swansea City. At the moment only three points separates 19th place and 12th place in the standings!

It is fair to say that Lambert's arrival at the club has ignited some sort of positive spark around the Potteries. Prior to last weekend's loss on the coast, the former Aston Villa coach had drawn at home to Watford 0-0 and beat Huddersfield 2-0 at the 365.

Prior to that victory against the Terriers during Lambert's first game, Stoke had won just once in six matches, losing four and drawing one too, which ultimately led to the sacking of Mark Hughes.

The Potters have tasted defeat in seven of their last 11 games, taking just eight points from a possible 33. Home fortunes, however, have been kind to Stoke fans, with the club being beaten in only one of their last four game here, winning twice and drawing the other. That loss came against travelling Newcastle United on New Year's Day 2018.

Stoke have been fairly decent at home this term. The Potters have kept a clean sheet in both of Paul Lambert's league home matches in charge, and it is at the 365 where Stoke have picked up 18 of the club's 24 points in the Premier League.

The defence has been the most problematic area for Stoke and Lambert has been quick to acknowledge that is where his side need to improve quickly. Stoke have conceded a league-high 52 goals this term.

That's not to say Stoke fans have been flattered with fluid football going forward, though. Xherdan Shaqiri has arguably been the club's saviour. The playmaker has five Premier League goals and six assists this season. The club's next top-scorer in the league comes in the way of Diouf, who has five league goals having featured in 20 games.

Crouch will surely be a big miss for the home side this afternoon. We're hearing that the big man's absences is down to an injury. Given the potential industrious nature of this clash, Fletcher's return will likely be seen as a boost for the hosts.

As for the visitors, Hughton has done a fantastic job so far with his Brighton side, who could be heading for a mid-table finish this term. Having said that, the precarious nature of the current standings means that just one defeat could potentially see the Seagulls slip down towards the relegation zone with just one loss.

Albion have lost just three of their last 11 matches in all competitions - two of those defeats came against Chelsea. Despite that, Hughton's men have only won one league match in seven away from home, scoring just two twice in those contests.

The club's away form has been an obvious cause for concern for Hughton, but recent form has seen Brighton remain unbeaten in three games in all competitions, winning twice and drawing once.

There is another worrying caveat to those statistics on the club's away form too. Brighton have suffered a lot in the Potteries in recent visits. Albion are without a win at Stoke in 15 league matches since a 1-0 victory in September 1961. The Seagulls have not scored in any of their last four visits to Stoke.

Across the season, going forward has been the problem on the road for Brighton. Hughton's charges have scored six away goals this season, which represents the fewest in the Premier League. Murray has scored four of those six goals, including two penalties.

The Gulls have improved of late in the box, however. Brighton have now scored four goals in their last two league matches, which is as many as in their previous 10 fixtures. Again, Murray has been a central component to the side, having scored in five of his last seven matches in all competitions, including each of the last three. The frontman now has the chance to score in four consecutive matches for the first time since December 2016.

Having picked up that victory over West Ham last time out, you have to wonder if Hughton might just be happy with a point on the road here. Much of the club's tactics have been built on solid defensive work. That sort of approach has certainly been apparent in their attacking stats. Murray is the club's top scorer in the league with eight goals in 16 league appearances.

Next on the list is playmaker Gross, who has been a key component to the club's success this term. Such has been his influence, Gross has been directly involved in 52 percent of Brighton's 21 league goals, the highest ratio of any player in the competition with five goals and six assists.

Two other key men Stoke will need to be wary of are Jose Izquierdo and Davy Propper. The former scored a screamer against West Ham to take his season tally to three goals, while Propper has been important in midfield, contributing with three assists this term.

Looking at the Stoke side today, beyond Shaqiri and Fletcher, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting will need to be closely followed by the Seagulls. The Cameroon international has four goals and five assists this term and looks to have a new exciting partner in the way of Badou too. Once Lambert has his defence properly drilled, City potentially have a strong midfield base with Joe Allen pulling the strings.

We have just under 20 minutes until kickoff, here is some quick footage of the visitors heading out for their warmups a little earlier this afternoon:

These sides met earlier in the campaign when a 2-2 draw in the reverse of this fixture last November ended the Potters' eight-match winning run over Brighton in all competitions.

These sides met earlier in the campaign when a 2-2 draw in the reverse of this fixture last November ended the Potters' eight-match winning run over Brighton in all competitions.

PREDICTION! Right, not long until kickoff now and it's time to make a prediction. Brighton have been impressive this season on the whole, but you have to fear for them on the road, especially with such a poor record when visiting Stoke. Lambert's side were poor last time out against the Cherries, but back at the 365 the new coach has plenty of positive signs having collected four points from a possible six. Fletcher's return will be important for the home side. Stoke might just have a little too much going forward. I'm backing Lambert's men to keep a clean sheet and pinch all three points with a 1-0 win.

Both managers have been vocal in the build-up to this game. Lambert has been keen to stress the importance of the home supporters on his side's performances at the 365:

"Every time I've come here [the Bet365 Stadium], whether it's been as an opposition manager or whatever, it's always been a brilliant atmosphere. We need our fans and they've been great with us - and I've always said we have to give them something as well. Hopefully on Saturday we will give them something to get behind us. The support here is massive for us."

As for Hughton, the Brighton boss has insisted that he is well aware of Lambert's newfound influence at the club and appears prepared for a high-tempo contest in the Potteries:

"Stoke are playing at a high tempo, pushing players through from midfield, and have a talented front three. I think it's that change of formation which has given them a lift. There has definitely been an upsurge in performances due to a change of formation, and probably also a change of manager. Paul [Lambert], who I followed as manager at Norwich, generally likes to play on the front foot - an entertaining style of football."

The bet365 Stadium is starting to fill up nicely now as we await the start of the game. Here is a quick reminder of those starting XIs before we get underway...

STOKE CITY STARTING XI: Butland; Bauer, Shawcross, Zouma, Pieters; Fletcher; Shaqiri, Allen, Badou, Choupo-Moting; Diouf

BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION STARTING XI: Ryan; Schelotto, Duffy, Dunk, Bong; March, Stephens, Propper, Izquierdo; Gross; Murray

Referee Robert Madley is taking charge of today's contest and he is now gathering the players in the tunnel, just a few minutes before we're underway here in Stoke.

The players are now making their way out onto the pitch. What a six-pointer we have on our hands. This could prove a huge moment in the season for one of these clubs...

KICKOFF! And we're off and underway in Stoke...

A cagey start as you might expect here under the rain. Some good early pressure from the Potters, though, who press through Diouf right from the off and have the visitors caged well inside their own half.

SAVE! Brighton almost have themselves an early lead as the ball breaks kindly to the visitors, where it is fed out to Izquierdo. The winger cuts inside and curls a superb effort towards goal, leaving Butland to get up and tip the ball over the bar.

There's certainly a lot of energy to these opening minutes. Stoke charge down the other end through the left channel, where Ndiaye crosses towards the back post, leaving Ryan to watch closely as the ball drifts out for a goal kick.

Butland's kick goes straight to Diouf down the middle, who lays the ball off for Fletcher. Possession is eventually shifted to Choupo-Moting, who cuts inside and lashes a wild effort over the bar from all of 30 yards out.

Can they keep this up for 90 minutes? Brighton work a fantastic press, where March is able to steal the ball down the right and drive towards goal. Duffy recovers well, however, leaving the centre-back to clear his lines.

Stoke enjoy a spell of possession in the middle of the Brighton half. Badou gets slightly overexcited, though, as he tries to slip in Allen beyond the Brighton defence. The midfielder doesn't quite have the measure of Allen's movement and Albion are able to regain possession.

Murray gets himself involved for the first time today as he goes into battle with Zouma. The Albion frontman jumps slightly early and gives away a needless free kick inside the Stoke half. Not too much to report in terms of quality here.

Shaqiri has been quiet in the opening exchanges. The Swiss international strives to get himself involved, but is adjudged offside when trying to collect Allen's through-ball down the right channel.

Stevens almost comes a cropper in the middle when Badou steals possession just inside the Brighton half. The midfielder aims to slot Diouf in on the break, but Duffy recovers and makes a good challenge in order to thwart Lambert's men on the counter.

We've had plenty of energy and industry early on, although neither side has produced the required quality to threaten either keeper. Stoke look comfortable on the ball, while Brighton have offered glimmers on the break. Choupo-Moting finds space 25 yards out before dragging a driven effort wide of Ryan's goal.

CLOSE! Chance for Brighton now, who profit from a long ball sent in from the back. Duffy wins the first challenge to knock the ball beyond the defence, where Murray is left to steer his effort over the bar from an acute angle under pressure from Shawcross.

Stoke are seeing plenty of the ball at the moment, but play is breaking down at the vital moment when defence moves to attack. The home side will have to be patient today given the counter-attacking nature of this Albion side.

Bong and Izquierdo are able to partner down the left wing, leaving Brighton to make in roads inside the Stoke half. Izquierdo turns a cross into the box for the run of Murray, but Zouma heads away comfortably.

CLOSE! A wonderful interception in the middle from Badou lifts the Stoke crowd and sets up a counter attack. The ball is moved to the left before being crossed in for Choupo-Moting at the back post, who is able to win a corner. The set piece eventually drops kindly for Shaqiri in the middle, who pops his volley over the crossbar without testing Ryan.

Boos ring out around the ground as Murray goes down under the challenge of Allen. The frontman wants a free kick, but Madley waves play on much to the delight of the home fans. March then gets the chance to have a go from range, but Butland is equal to it with a save in the centre of his goal.

Stoke have favoured the right side in this first half, with Brighton full-back Bong doing his best to thwart Shaqiri, who is just starting to simmer with his forward movement.

SHOT! Shades of his goal from last weekend for Izquierdo. Diouf shields the ball poorly for the home side, leaving Brighton to break. The play is pushed out towards the left winger, who comes inside on his right and bends an effort just over Butland's bar.

Wonderful work from Zouma at the back. Shawcross gets dragged up the pitch and the ball is turned beyond the centre-back. Propper looks set to run beyond with the loose ball, only for Zouma to cover good ground and win himself an important free kick under the challenge of the Brighton midfielder.

GOAL!  GOAL! STOKE CITY 0-1 BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION (JOSE IZQUIERDO)

Brighton have the lead and it's fully deserved after a piece of brilliance in attack. Izquierdo goes for a one-two with Stephens, who prods his return ball cheekily beyond the Stoke defence, leaving the winger to bend an adroit finish first time beyond Butland.

CLOSE! Stoke almost respond in an instant as Badou finds himself on the end of a volley, but the midfielder turns his effort over the bar after meeting a cross from full-back Bauer.

This game is more than alive at the moment. We've had everything so far and just needed that piece of brilliance from Brighton to cap things off. The Stoke fans are just starting to get a bit twitchy with their players at the moment. The Seagulls will be delighted. They have stifled the hosts and created a bit of magic to force the opener.

Murray is hounding everything in this opening half. This time the forward comes in late on Shawcross and is lucky to escape without a yellow.

The visitors are showing some impressive composure inside the Stoke half as they aim to take some of the sting out of this game before the break.

CLOSE! Gross brings a lofted through-ball out of the air inside the Stoke box, but for some reason declines to take a shot on goal. The playmaker takes too many touches and eventually sees his cross into the middle turned away by Duffy.

A strange atmosphere is developing amongst the home fans, who are clearly frustrated with their side. Stoke haven't been woeful, although they have done very little creatively in the final third. Lots of the ball, but they haven't done too much with it.

We're going to have two minutes of additional time in the first half...

Referee Bobby Madley brings a close to the first half, which has seen Brighton cap off an impressive away showing with an important opening goal. Hughton's men have been the better side and look well organised at the back. Izquierdo has been the standout player and his goal sets the two sides apart.

It's been an odd showing from Lambert's Stoke, who started the game with real promise and intensity. The home side have been comfortable in possession, but have been unable to thread together the required quality to breach this compact Albion defence. The fans are starting to show their concerns too and that's never a good sign. The Potters' new coach has plenty of work to do at the break.

Hughton will want more of the same in the second period, while Lambert needs to find a way of generating something in that final third. The Potters have been rather toothless in this contest.

SECOND HALF! We're moving again at the bet365 Stadium...

Stoke get an early chance to send a corner into the box, but Brighton are able to clear at the first man. The visitors have done well in order to thwart Stoke's set piece moves throughout the game. That's certainly one way of stifling Lambert's men.

Impressive energy from the home side already as Badou pounces on a loose ball. His volley is deflected over the bar, leaving Diouf to then head poorly wide of goal under pressure from Dunk from the resulting corner.

Smart work from Shaqiri who races down the right before producing a reverse ball for the overlap of Bauer. Izquierdo does brilliantly, however, as he tracks back and makes a vital interception with the full-back driving inside the box.

Stoke have introduced Saido Berahino in place of Fletcher at the break as they go in search of a leveller. It's Brighton who pile the pressure on, though, with a long ball into the box. Stoke deal with it well as Zouma rises highest to head clear.

Lambert has clearly had words with his men as they continue to buzz all over the pitch. Brighton look unmoved so far in this second period as Stoke probe patiently awaiting a mistake on the edge of the visiting box.

CLOSE! Wonderful work from Stephens, who has been exceptional in midfield. The counter sees the ball worked to Gross, who then turns a promising cross into the middle. Propper arrives late on it, but can only send his header over the bar from close range.

Brighton are attacking cleverly now, as Gross plays a reverse ball in for Izquierdo. The winger is eventually closed down, but it just goes to show the difference in decision making between the two teams at the moment. Stoke appear indecisive, while the Seagulls know exactly what they're doing on the break.

Shaqiri and Badou have shown the most amount of endeavour for Stoke, who again are having plenty of the ball but are still failing to do much with it. Dunk and Duffy have done an excellent job at the back. Both look calm and collected giving Diouf very little to feed on so far.

SUBSTITUTION: Stoke make their second change of the afternoon as Choupo-Moting is replaced by Paris Saint-Germain's Jese in attack.

For a side with a poor away record, Brighton seem to know exactly what their manager wants from them here. The visitors are remaining patient and continue to look effective when breaking from deep.

Jese gets involved for the first time and the youngster aims to bustle his way beyond the Brighton defence. Dunk and Duffy are having none of it, though, as they stand firm and clear the danger.

GOAL!  GOAL! STOKE CITY 1-1 BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION (XHERDAN SHAQIRI)

Would you believe it? That's come out of nowhere, but he has been the best player in a Stoke shirt. Bong perhaps stands off for a little too long on the edge of the box, leaving Shaqiri to get his head up and bend a superb effort into the bottom corner with his left foot. A fantastic finish that has arguably come from nowhere. It's their first shot on target!

SUBSTITUTE: Brighton make their first change of the afternoon following the goal, with Ulloa coming on in place of Murray.

SHOT! Hopeful more than anything from Ndiaye, who takes the ball from Allen before whipping a shot high and wide from range. The goal has upset Brighton slightly, who are now looking slightly ragged as they aim to sit deep and contain.

SAVE! Brighton should be back in front. A long ball is sent into Ulloa, who wins the knock down into the path of Propper. The midfielder probably has time to take a touch, but he opts to shoot first time and can only finish tamely into the clutches of a diving Butland.

Which way will this game swing now? Brighton have started to gather themselves and are putting together some promising moves down the left again. Izquierdo swings a cross in for Ulloa, leaving Butland to come off his line and gather.

SUBSTITUTES: Another change for Brighton as Biram Kayal takes the place of Gross. As for Stoke, Lambert opts for Charlie Adam in place of Badou in the middle.

Stoke haven't been able to build on the leveller really, much to Lambert's frustration on the bench. Jese has added some much-needed pace going forward, but as things stand the Albion defence look pretty comfortable dealing with his runs.

Jese comes again down the left channel, where he cuts inside and produces a poor cross into the middle without even looking up for options. Ryan is a happy man, though, leaving the ball to run through and out for a goal kick.

You get the sense that Brighton might just be happy with a point here as they seek to slow things down, especially when you consider that they grabbed those three points against West Ham last week.

SUBSTITUTE: Brighton make their final change as March is replaced by Anthony Knockaert.

PENALTY TO STOKE CITY! Where has this come from? A lofted ball goes into the box and Jese goes down under the challenge of Stephens.

PENALTY SAVED! Brilliant from Ryan, who keeps out the spot kick with a diving save to deny Adam. Brighton then scramble to stop the midfielder turning home the rebound.

CLOSE! Brighton are hanging on by the skin of their teeth now, as the resulting corner is now cleared off the line by substitute Knockaert. The player is over the line, but the ball is not. Brilliant from the youngster...

Wow, what an ending to a thrilling game in the Potteries. Stoke should have stolen an unlikely three points there with the late penalty. Brighton arguably would have been robbed following an impressive away display. You have to have some sympathy for Adam, though, who was put under some serious pressure by Jese over who was to take the penalty...

That could have been a vital three points for the home side as they bid to stave off relegation. Brighton will probably be happy with the point. It could have been such a different story for the visitors. That's going to be all from me this afternoon. Thank you for joining us.