Pugh and Fraser are ready to step in for Ibe

Jordan Ibe was subbed early at half time in the match against Sunderland and it is arguable that the winger is now facing a testing period with the re-emergence of Marc Pugh as well as Ryan Fraser also gunning for his starting place. Whether Eddie decides that a change is needed or not because of the team's need to get on a winning run again, Jordan Ibe has not ht the form that was hoped for when he was signed in the summer.

Pugh is a reliable performer that Howe may now turn to.

The slow start Jordan has made has not been for a lack of trying by the winger. He's been tried on both the right and left wing and has found that beating the first player is rarely a problem for him. It is just what comes after that which has been disappointing. He has time to develop his game, but AFCB need points now and that's why I expect the Ibe experiment will be rested for a while and the safe feet of Marc Pugh may well find their way on to the pitch first at the Bet365 stadium come Saturday.

Marc Pugh has not made a Premier League appearance this season yet and that has to be disappointing for him having made such a big contribution last season with 26 appearances. Marc has all the experience and skill required to give Stoke City's defence a hard game. He was an unused sub against Sunderland and will be desperate to get his season going.

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If speed is what Eddie Howe wants more than anything else though it will be Ryan Fraser that could get the nod. He managed to feature in the second half against Sunderland so might be slightly ahead of Marc Pugh at the moment. The young Scot will probably be pleased that he has managed five appearances already from the 11 games this season. But he, like Jordan Ibe, is yet to score in the Premier League for AFCB.

The decision Eddie Howe makes will be an important one and it will be one that will say more about where Jordan Ibe is in Eddie Howe's thoughts than Marc Pugh or Ryan Fraser.