Sam Gallagher will miss out on a reunion with Blackburn Rovers due to injury but Ash Phillips and Andrew Moran may start for Stoke City.

Gallagher made the switch from Rovers to the Potteries in the summer, bringing an end to his five-year stay at Ewood Park. However, injuries have remained an issue, somewhat vindicating the club's decision to accept an offer as he was in the last year of his deal.

Phillips has already played at Ewood Park since his controversial move to Tottenham. He was part of the Plymouth Argyle side that drew 1-1 last term. Niall Ennis is also likely to be part of the travelling squad to Lancashire but has been a bit-part player since his move in January.

Narcis Pelach has spoken highly of Rovers and John Eustace before the game, outlining exactly what challenges they will bring.

READ MORE: EUSTACE EXCITED BY UNTRIED SOLUTION TO GOAL-SCORING ISSUE

"It will be a difficult game. I know John Eustace very well," Pelach said.

"The game is going to be fast, second balls, duels, it becomes a fight. They are seventh in the table, which tells you how difficult it is. 

"We are not playing against a team that is in a relegation fight, we are playing against a team that is in a play-off fight. They have been there since the beginning. 

"I played against them at Carrow Road with Norwich not that long ago and I know the coach, I know how tough it will be, I know the players. I just have to prepare our players in the best manner to go and compete because if we don’t compete we will not have a chance.

"Blackburn are a really good side. I think they will be there, fighting. The coach is good and they are very competitive, it is a tough place to go. 

"But it’s a Championship game and if we are organised and we know our game plan is and we stick to that and bring the game into a place that gives us advantage then I think we will have a chance, like in any Championship game. 

"I feel like you can win or lose everywhere, it depends on your performance, it depends on your ideas, it depends on your level of desire. If these three things are there then I think you’ll have a chance and I’m really positive about that."