Stoke City

Image source, Getty Images

Ahead of Saturday's game against Southampton, BBC Radio Stoke have been speaking to Saints Statistics to discuss which of their players could pose the biggest threat for the Potters:

"Che Adams has a very tenuous relationship with the Southampton fans. He has been the greatest player in the world at some points, he's also the player who gets the most mud thrown for the failures of last season.

"Whenever he does leave us, there will be some amazing compilations of his time at Southampton, but he is in the form of his life at the moment.

"He's playing for that new contract, so if there was a player I'd be worried about from a Stoke perspective, it would be Che Adams.

"Adam Armstrong is ever-present, but he's out of form. David Brooks is an amazing player and could tear you apart, or he could have a game like he did against Cardiff and be silent.

"A player that you have experience with, Will Smallbone, is also in incredible form and I wouldn't be surprised if I saw him on the scoresheet."

When asked for their score prediction after the 5-0 defeat to Leicester City, they added:

"If we had a hangover, it would be tighter, it would be nervy. I would go for a 2-1 or a 1-1."

You can listen to the full interview here.

Stoke City are reportedly considering a move to sign Rotherham United goalkeeper Viktor Johansson in the summer transfer window.

The Millers are confirmed to be playing in League One next season, meaning that the 25-year-old is likely to leave the New York Stadium.

The Potters are set to make an offer for the Swedish stopper who is believed to have a £1m relegation clause included in his contract.

(Alan Nixon, external)

Image source, Getty Images

Potters head coach Steven Schumacher named Luke Cundle in his starting line-up for Saturday's 3-0 win over Plymouth Argyle.

Speaking to BBC Radio Stoke, Dan Buxton from the 'Every Step Along The Way, external' podcast heaped praise on the midfielder for his impressive display at the Bet365 Stadium:

"That was far, far away his best game in a Stoke shirt. He really showed us what the best of Luke Cundle is.

"The game suited him and he was obviously up for it. Whether it was because it was Plymouth or whether it was his goal last week, everything just fell into place for that performance on Saturday.

"If he can produce that, if that's going to be his level, I'd like to see him back here again."

Would you like to sign Cundle on a permanent basis? Leave your comments here.

Image source, Getty Images

Stoke City head coach Steven Schumacher joined the club from Plymouth Argyle in December, and last weekend, he was able to beat his former team 3-0.

We recently asked you to send us your thoughts on the job that he's done since his arrival.

Here are some of the responses that we received:

Chris: Seems a good man manager. Took all of 5 minutes to realise Bae Junho is our best footballer which Alex Neil did not. Perhaps overcomplicated things in some games with too many changes, however it’s nice to see players looking as though they have actually been coached and know their jobs.

Adrian: The writing is on the wall. This time, the writing is of the potential Stoke can have under Steven. There are signs of a real team developing and next season is one of realistic potential to make a push well up the league and also play entertaining football. Steven is doing well and needs to be backed.

Steve: He’s tried to keep himself and us thinking with a level head. We can lose games but don’t get too negative about it. As long as we believe the team’s progressing, try and enjoy the journey.

Digby: Trying to keep track from the Gulf with what he has done. He looks to have the one thing that has been missing from the leadership for years - passion for the game.

Image source, Getty Images

Stoke City midfielder Jordan Thompson made his 150th appearance for the Potters on Saturday in the 3-0 win over Plymouth Argyle.

Speaking during his post-match interview with the club's website, the 27-year-old said he was delighted to have reached this milestone:

"Massive. I actually didn't know about it until the other day during the week, someone mentioned it. Very, very proud to get 150 for this club."

When asked how the team can replicate the performance shown last weekend heading into their final two fixtures, Thompson added:

"We know the talent is there, it was just trying to get everything to click. We've done the basics really well which we haven't done enough throughout the season, we need to keep that going. We want to try and get maximum points."

How good do you think Thompson has been this season? Should he be offered a new contract in the summer?

Let us know your thoughts here.

It's been a long season for Stoke City fans, but following their 3-0 home win over Plymouth, supporters are starting to believe their team will avoid Championship relegation.

These are just some of the comments from the Potters faithful who called BBC Radio Stoke's Praise and Grumble show.

Ian - We got a really good performance for 90 minutes, everybody put a shift in, they did the ugly thing and rolled their sleeves up, we got stuck in, won every 50/50, we played some lovely football, it was good to watch. It's not mathematical (safety) but looking at the fixtures we're virtually there now.

Dave - You're starting to feel that Stoke are playing the type of football, the best football that we've probably seen for the last six years and that's saying something isn't it. We're seeing a better style of football, more attacking football.

Darren - We had 23 shots on goal, when was the last time we had that? What a weekend we had. 3-0 and dominated the game and took the pressure off going to Southampton.

Andrew - Bae Junho is brilliant. His feet are mesmeric when he takes players on. Good on Steven Schumacher for sticking to his guns and picking the team who he thought could win the game.

How do you feel about the job Steven Schumacher has done since his arrival in December? Send us your comments here.

Image source, Getty

Stoke City's flying Dutchman, Million Manhoef, says he's started to adjust to the pace and physicality of English football.

The 22-year-old made the switch from the Dutch Eredivisie to the Championship in January having spent all his career at Vitesse.

Speaking to BBC Radio Stoke he explained the challenges of adapting to a different league:

"In Holland I can win duals easier, I don't have to put in my full force to win duals, but here if I don't do it then I can lose some. I have to sharpen every dual here because everyone is being as strong."

The winger has started seven games for Steven Schumacher's side and scored two goals. He believes that there is still more to come:

"I will get more stronger and faster and use my body better, which will make my game better."

He added, "I think I can improve, I'm small but I'm quite stocky and strong. I still lose more duals than I should but that's an improvement point so I'm not satisfied. I think overall my game has been quite ok but hopefully it will get better and better."

Image source, Getty Images

Stoke City midfielder Wouter Burger will be available for Saturday's game vs Plymouth Argyle at the Bet365 Stadium.

The Dutchman was substituted off in the 1-1 draw at Sheffield Wednesday following a head collision, but tests since have shown no sign of concussion.

Junior Tchamadeu is also edging closer to a first team return after playing 45 minutes for the U21's in their recent 3-0 defeat to Leicester City.

However, Ryan Mmaee, Lynden Gooch and Ben Pearson all remain out on the sidelines with their own respective hamstring injuries.

With Stoke City preparing to face Plymouth Argyle on Saturday, we asked you to send in your score predictions and thoughts as to what the outcome of the game could be.

Here are some of the responses that we received:

Adrian: This is the weekend we close the trap door! It's a must win and we will win. Plymouth will not be bothered about playing their ex-manager, they will be concentrating on getting a result which keeps their trap door closed. Stoke win 3-1. Let's not "boo", it doesn't help. Remember, "We'll be with you, every step along the way... City, City".

Jack: Stoke have been very disappointing all season, little sign of togetherness and team spirit with the desire to win. Whatever the outcome of the remaining three matches, there needs to be a major rid out of those under-performing players. I predict that Plymouth will win 2-1 on Saturday and we'll be well beaten by Southampton the following week...

Chris: Stoke are looking at a 1-1 draw and praying no one below them wins. Stoke can fight back to a draw but can't seem to win. No defence and give away stupid goals. Stoke pay a fortune for bad performances on the pitch. It's about time a team took responsibility.

Alan: We have been too passive as a team all season, lacking in ideas, defensively weak and with no regular striker. It’s no great surprise we are where we are in the Championship, but this Saturday, it will all come together for us and we’ll win 2-0.

David: Plymouth will win as their players seem way more up for it than the Stoke squad... and against their old manager... even more to gee them up. 2-0 to the visitors I think.

Steve: 3-1.

• Stoke City are unbeaten in their last 19 home league games against Plymouth Argyle (W13 D6), keeping 11 clean sheets across that time.

• The Pilgrims will be looking to claim a first ever league double over Saturday's hosts in the EFL after winning the reverse fixture 2-1 back in December.

• The Potters have won just two of their last 14 Championship games at the Bet365 Stadium (D6 L6), a run during which they have failed to score in eight separate matches.

• So far this season, Neil Dewsnip's side have won just three of their 21 away league games (D7 L11), though each of those victories have come across their last seven such matches whilst also keeping a clean sheet.

• Since Steven Schumacher’s first game in charge of Stoke City, the red and whites (24) have won just two more points than this weekend's visitors (22) in the Championship.

Image source, Stoke City

Stoke City U21's defender Jaden Dixon has won the Broxap Outstanding Academy Achievement award for March.

The Potters centre-back made his international debut for England U17's in their European Championship qualifiers last month, while also making 15 appearances throughout this season in the Premier League 2.

Congratulating the 16-year-old on his accolade, Academy Director Gareth Owen told the club website:

“Jaden has had a really good season so far and he fully deserves this award.

“He knows there is plenty of work to do to improve and we’ll continue to support him however we can to ensure he fulfils his potential.

“We’ve had a number of our younger players represent England this season including Nathan Lowe, Tommy Simkin and Sol Sidibe, and to see Jaden join that group is so pleasing for everyone in the Academy and the Football Club.”

Image source, Getty Images

Ahead of Stoke City's upcoming home game vs Plymouth Argyle, Steven Schumacher has been speaking to the media at his pre-match press conference.

The Potters head coach discussed facing his former side, the atmosphere he wants fans to create at home and the return of Luke Cundle.

Plymouth: "Plymouth Argyle are going to be so up for this game because they are coming up against their ex-manager, so we need to make sure that we are ready for that and be better than them in all departments. Our job as the coaching staff is to take all emotion away from it and just speak about what's in front of us."

Supporters: "Our fans have been really good, I can honestly say that. We want the Bet365 at the weekend to be absolutely bouncing in our favour. We want to try as best as we can to keep the Argyle fans quiet and that's over to us as staff and players to get the result that we all desperately want."

Luke Cundle: "He hasn't had the game time that he wanted, but he trains the same. His personality, his enthusiasm for the game and his energy is why I brought him here because that's what we needed. He's been brilliant."

Stoke City welcome Plymouth Argyle to the Bet365 Stadium on Saturday in a crunch match which sees both teams needing to win to avoid relegation.

The Potters head into this game off the back of a 1-1 draw at Sheffield Wednesday, so they will be hoping to go one better and take maximum points this weekend.

Can Steven Schumacher secure victory over his previous club?

Will Stoke beat the drop?

Get involved by sending us your score predictions and thoughts using the online form below.

Have your say here...

Image source, Getty Images

Stoke City signed Michael Rose on a free transfer from Coventry City last summer, and he's been a regular feature of the first team ever since, playing more minutes, external than any of his teammates this season.

The Potters defender has admitted that he's content with his time at the club so far, but insists that his only aim is to retain the team's status in the Championship:

"It's been pretty mad to be honest. Difficult as well because I've never experienced managers getting sacked and a lot of change happening. This is the first time I've had it in a season.

"I'm sure I'll learn a lot from it and build on it for next season. I've played a lot of games so I'm happy in that regard personally, but my focus is now on the weekend and just making sure that this club stays up."

Ahead of Saturday's meeting with Plymouth Argyle, Rose added that the squad aren't phased by the fact that they are playing Steven Schumacher's former side:

"For the players, it's probably a little bit different because we don't have as much emotion to the game as the gaffer or as Plymouth, so for us, it's just a game that we have to focus on ourselves. Go and attack the game and try and win it."

Image source, Getty Images

Ahead of Stoke City's game vs Plymouth Argyle, BBC Radio Stoke spoke to opposition fan Joe Bell from the 'Green and White, external' podcast to preview the reunion between Steven Schumacher and his former club.

"There's going to be a real spice to it. You can't play it down. It's important that our players strip away the emotion because they could easily get carried away trying to get one over on the previous boss.

"You always want to impress somebody who's let you down and that's the feeling that was amongst the dressing room at the time."

When asked which of his players could pose the biggest threat this weekend, he said:

"Morgan Whittaker. The bloke's a genius. So many assists, so many goals, creative player. He's the one to keep an eye on."

Delivering his score prediction, Bell added:

"I think it's a more important game for Stoke than us with you playing Southampton afterwards, whereas we've got Millwall.

"It'll be a tight affair. We'll be trying our hardest to get the win. I do have green tinted glasses on so I'm going to say we're going to nick it 2-1 when it looks set for a 1-1 draw."

Image source, Getty Images

Former Stoke City defender Mike Pejic believes that Steven Schumacher needs to find more consistency in his team selection moving forward.

The Potters head coach has shown that he's not afraid to make changes to his starting line-up, but the veteran is adamant that it's not helping performances or results:

"Something is just not quite clicking and it may be because of constant change. You've got to have a settled team to get the best out of your players and cover up the weaknesses.

"You're not going to do that with constant change so you have to look at yourself as a coach. 'Am I doing the right thing?'

"You should always be doing that even when you're winning. You're still looking to get better.

"It's a big ask now having drawn three and lost one in the last four games, but we're fortunate to have Plymouth at home on Saturday."

Image source, Getty Images

Potters midfielder Bae Junho has impressed during his debut season at the club after joining from South Korean side Daejeon Hana Citizen last summer.

Speaking to BBC Radio Stoke, George Weaver from 'Potterlytics, external' named the 20-year-old as the one player who could most help avoid relegation to League One:

"In terms of that calmness on the ball and being able to play through teams, he really does bring an extra dimension to that midfield. Being able to receive it in those half spaces and be able to play off to other people.

"We saw his little dummy on Saturday that let Campbell set up the Cundle goal. Just a little bit of that in a game, even when you're not on top, can really turn things around."

Image source, Stoke City

Stoke City's U21's were beaten 3-0 by Leicester City in the Premier League 2 at the Seagrave training ground on Monday.

The Foxes went 2-0 up inside ten minutes with a brace from Oliver James Ewing, before Logan Briggs added a late third to secure all three points.

Lead coach Ryan Shawcross named Junior Tchamadeu in his starting line-up, with the defender stepping up his recovery from injury by playing 45 minutes.

The Potters face Newcastle United at the Bet365 Stadium on 26 April in their last fixture of the season where they could qualify for the elimination play-offs.

Image source, Getty

Stoke City's Michael Rose knows that the club's Championship fate is in their own hands and that the players need to make sure relegation is avoided.

The Potters take on Plymouth Argyle on Saturday in a game both teams need to win in order to give themselves the best chance of staying up.

Speaking ahead of the match, defender Rose says there can't be any excuses:

"We've got ourselves in this situation so we've got to stand up and get ourselves out of it. We can't look to anyone else apart from ourselves as players. Especially this game this weekend. We owe it to everyone to go in and put on a performance and get the three points that we need."

This weekend's fixture has more than just relegation at stake, as it will be the first time that head coach Steven Schumacher will face his former club since his switch from the South West at the end of 2023.

Another factor that could swing things in Stoke's favour is the Bet365 Stadium crowd. Rose added that the team needs to take advantage of the passionate home support:

"I think it was the Middlesbrough game when the crowd were like that. When it's like that it's a really good place to play football so we need that again at the weekend."

Stoke City are reportedly preparing a move to sign Burnley striker Jay Rodriguez in the summer transfer window.

The Clarets forward will be out of contract at the end of the season, and having not been offered a new deal, he is set to leave and become a free agent.

The Potters are expected to lose Tyrese Campbell and Wesley when their terms expire in June, with the club highlighting the 34-year-old as a possible replacement.

(TEAMtalk, external)

Image source, Getty Images

Stoke City playmaker Bae Junho has been replaced in the South Korea squad for the U23's Asian Cup which starts this week.

The Potters midfielder had initially been chosen to compete in Qatar, but the club have decided to keep hold of him so that he'll be available to take part in the last three games of the season.

Hwang Sun-Hong's side could qualify for the Paris Olympics should they be successful in this tournament, but they will have to try and do so without Junho.