Stoke manager Tony Pulis has urged his goal-shy players to start
finding the net sooner rather than later if they are to halt their
slide.
The Potters have scored just 15 times in 19 matches - the
lowest return in the Premier League - and registered only two in
the last six games - both of which came against Wigan nearly a
month ago.
Having lost the last three league fixtures Pulis is keen to
see improved performances at both ends of the pitch on Tuesday
night against Fulham.
Ricardo Fuller scored only his third goal of the season in
the FA Cup victory over York, while fellow striker James Beattie
has just two - both coming in the same game - in 20 appearances.
"It was important (Fuller's goal)," said Pulis. "But whether
it was Ricardo or Beattie, you look at their goal return and it has
not been what we expect.
"It is not through a lack of opportunity or chances we are
creating - they would be the first ones to hold their hands up and
are disappointed.
"You can't hide from the fact we need more goals. The
performances have been good and we have created lots of chances.
"But if we are talking about Beattie, Dean Whitehead, Glenn
Whelan, Ryan Shawcross, Abdoulaye Faye, Matt Etherington, Liam
Lawrence or Rory Delap - we should be scoring more goals.
"I think we have been unfortunate, I don't think it is bad
play."
Pulis knows confidence is key for goalscorers and pointed to
the fortunes of Fulham striker Bobby Zamora, who his side will need
to keep quiet at the Britannia Stadium, as a case in point.
Having endured a fair share of criticism during his time at
Craven Cottage Zamora is now in a rich vein of form with 11 goals
this season.
"Bobby Zamora went a year-and-a-half at Fulham, taking a load
of stick, and now he has started scoring goals people are talking
about him playing for England," added Pulis. "He is playing with a
lot more confidence than he was before and confidence is massive.
"Goalscorers live on goals, if they are scoring they want to
play in every game."
Pulis is also keen for the team to tighten up at the back, as
they have not kept a clean sheet since November 28 at Blackburn.
"I think the disappointment for us has been we have given a
lot of goals away this season from set-pieces," said the Potters
boss. "That is something we have to work on and make sure we are
solid on."
Goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen expects to be fit after a finger
injury forced him off at half-time against York, while defender
Ryan Shawcross returns from suspension and fellow centre-back
Abdoulaye Faye and midfielder Salif Diao are brought back having
been rested.
