How will Stoke City cope in suspended Tommy Smith’s absence?

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Stoke City will be without the suspended Tommy Smith for three matches after his dismissal from Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Barnsley. How will Michael O’Neill’s men cope in his absence?

The feisty 1-1 draw with Barnsley saw Smith controversially given his marching orders with five minutes of normal time remaining, as a result of a strong tackle on Tykes loanee Claudio Gomes. The right-back is now side-lined for Stoke’s next three games, including Saturday’s trip to Derby County as well as the Carabao Cup tie at Watford and City’s home fixture against Hull City the following Saturday.

Smith has been a key figure in the Potters’ opening seven league outings, notching three assists, with the latest coming in the 17th minute of Wednesday’s encounter.

The majority of Stoke’s play has come from the right-wing, therefore the 29-year-old has found himself on the ball regularly, especially in the attacking third.

How exactly will Michael O’Neill cope with the absence of his number two? Will the Northern Irishman call upon youth or will Smith’s absence trigger a formation switch?

Scenario One – Debut for Demeaco Duhaney

Stoke’s superb summer business puts them in a far better position than last season on the right side. With at least two senior players in every position, the Potters’ strength in depth could prove pivotal to their promotion hopes, especially in circumstances like this.

Deadline Day signing, Demeaco Duhaney, could fit the bill to replace Smith at right-wing-back. The 22-year-old Englishman signed for the Potters following a successful trial period and impressive performances with the under-23’s.

Similarly to Smith, Duhaney can get forward and despatch a deadly cross but is also calm and composed in defensive situations.

Most recently at Huddersfield Town, the 22-year-old made just 21 appearances before being released by the Terriers and signed for Stoke with the ambition of getting his career kick-started once again.

Replacing Smith for three games can allow Duhaney to showcase his best and potentially make the right-wing-back spot his own.

Scenario Two – Call-up for Kieran Coates

Alternatively, Stoke could call for the services of under-23’s regular Kieran Coates, a player many City fans have tipped to be Smith’s natural successor. The 19-year-old has been a staple in Kevin Russell’s young Potters side and had also been included in a number of O’Neill’s matchday squads last season, however, didn’t take to the field.

Coates replaced Smith in a pre-season friendly against Crewe Alexandra in July and made a brave headed clearance to stop the Railwaymen in their tracks as they searched for an equaliser.

It’s unlikely that O’Neill will give Coates the nod due to his lack of first-team experience, however, his pace and unpredictability could be a factor that swings in his favour for selection.

Scenario Three – A System Switch

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O’Neill could switch from the 3-5-2 formation that has been used throughout the start of the season to the 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2, two systems that the Northern Irishman has used so far during his tenure.

However, who would play on the right side of defence? Could Leo Ostigard move one step to the right?

The Norweigian has looked comfortable on the right of the three so asking him to play five yards to his right shouldn’t be too difficult? O’Neill did just this with Bruno Martins Indi during the 2019/20 season, as the Dutchman played left back through the early spring period.

It’s unlikely that Stoke would make a systematic change and break up what has been such a solid back three which has proved pivotal to the Potters’ brilliant start.

Scenario Four – Alternate Inclusions

When Smith was dismissed on Wednesday, Alfie Doughty came on to replace Sam Surridge, with the 21-year-old playing at right-wing-back for the remainder of the game.

Doughty is yet to start a league game this season for O’Neill’s side, however, has impressed in cameos from the bench with his blitzing pace and technical ability.

In pre-season, the 21-year-old dealt with defensive situations well, keeping cool and composed when he was required.

Tom Ince is another candidate to start on the right for Stoke. The 29-year-old has featured in the Potters’ two Carabao Cup clashes against Fleetwood Town and Doncaster Rovers respectively.

Although Ince isn’t a natural defender, he offers creativity going forward and can nip in with a tackle where necessary and offers a goal threat like his left-side counterpart Josh Tymon. Ince netted the opener in Stoke’s 2-0 round two Carabao Cup triumph at home against Doncaster, showing attacking instinct to pop up in the box.

Most likely, Demeaco Duhaney will make his debut for the Potters this Saturday at Pride Park as Stoke look to keep the Championship’s automatic promotion spots within reach.

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