Di Matteo favourite to replace Pulis at Potters

ROBERTO DI MATTEO has been installed as the early favourite to replace Tony Pulis with many reports suggesting the Stoke boss will be leaving the Britannia Stadium.

Boylesports rate Di Matteo 11-4 to become the new Potters chief with Mark Hughes at 5-1 and Gus Poyet can be backed at 8-1 alongside Phil Neville. Rafael Benitez, a 9-1 shot, is the only other candidate available at single-figure odds.

Pulis always managed to maintain City’s top-flight status despite criticism of Stoke’s playing style and Ladbrokes reacted to the rumours by cutting the Potters to 5-2 from 7-2 to be relegated from the Premier League next season.