Stoke City

With Stoke City preparing to take on Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park, we asked you to send in your predictions as to how the game could pan out, alongside your opinions on the state that the club currently find themselves in.

Here are some of the responses that we received:

Bryan: No need for entertaining football at this stage, it has to be a point at least. Put out the best team to achieve this, then a home win against QPR is a must.

Andy: Recruitment team should hold their heads in shame, squad completely overhauled but a distinct lack of quality. Needed to strengthen the defence, add a permanent goalkeeper and a striker that at the very least knows where the goal is - failed! 6 points from the next 2 games is a must! Players need to show some grit!

Lewis: It has felt like an extremely turbulent season, the excitement for the amount of new faces at the start of the season to where we find ourselves today. We need the 12th man for the remainder of the season to have hope of avoiding relegation. This starts on Saturday against Blackburn.

Hannah: I hope we can start winning games again and we need to get behind the team.

Dave: Stoke will win.

• When Stoke and Blackburn faced each other in the reverse fixture of this game back in November, the visitors secured a 3-0 victory at the Bet365 Stadium.

• The Potters have lost their last three consecutive games in the Championship, with this being the first time that has ever happened to Steven Schumacher in the league since the start of his managerial career.

• The Ewood Park outfit have only won one of their last eleven matches in the second tier, so they will be hoping to return to positive form this weekend.

• Ahead of Saturday's meeting, Jon Dahl Tomasson is expected to leave his position as the opposition's manager, with the former red and white stripes midfielder John Eustace having been linked as his possible successor.

• City are 20th in the table as it stands, with three points having the potential to lift them up to 16th dependent on the results of other clubs around them.

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Ahead of Stoke City's upcoming away game vs Blackburn, Steven Schumacher has been speaking to BBC Radio Stoke's Matt Sandoz, external at his pre-match press conference, previewing this weekend's opponents and discussing the recent absence of Ryan Mmaee.

On Rovers: "They are a team who are in and around us. They've had some good patches of form throughout the season, they've had some indifferent games where they haven't got the results that they probably expected, but we know that we are going there and it's going to be a tough game. There's an issue going on at the moment I think internally with them so that's going to make it harder to prepare for I imagine. It's going to be another away game, that's never easy in the Championship, so we'll go there fully expecting a tough game but confident that we can get a result."

Mmaee: "We set out on the first day about what standards and behaviours we expect around the training ground. There's a couple of incidences where we felt Ryan wasn't buying into that and it's not fair for me to demand things from a whole squad and there's only one or two that, or in this case there was one person who I felt was letting the staff and letting the players down. It sends the message that we're serious about what we're saying. I'm not just going to come here and flippantly say something, I have to back up what we ask and what we're requiring from the players and at the moment, Ryan isn't available."

Stoke City are set to make the trip to Blackburn Rovers this Saturday and will be hoping to turn their form around following last weekend's 5-0 defeat to Leicester City.

The Potters are in desperate need of points to start lifting them up the Championship table, but will they be able to pick any up on their visit to Ewood Park?

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

Have your say here.

Stoke City were interested in a move to sign Dunfermline Athletic defender Josh Edwards during the January transfer window, according to a report.

The Potters and Preston North End were both name-checked as potential suitors for the left-back, though it was Barnsley who saw a six-figure bid rejected.

However, the 23-year-old is expected to continue being monitored ahead of the summer, so the club could look to revisit a deal at the end of the season. (The Courier, external)

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Having returned from the Africa Cup of Nations, Stoke City defender Junior Tchamadeu has been speaking to BBC Radio Stoke's Lucas Yeomans about the experience of wearing the shirt on such a momentous occasion for Cameroon.

"It was surreal for me to be honest. Obviously it's a tournament where, as I grew up, I was watching my country play in it, so to represent my country in a huge tournament is a great honour for me and my family, and just being there in itself was just crazy to be honest. The set-up of everything, the vibes around the group, it's just so good and I'm just proud and happy that I was given the chance to be a part of it.

"It's probably my biggest achievement in my career so far and I'm glad I played a little part in it, not as much as I would have liked, but at the end of the day, being there in itself was a huge achievement for me and to obviously do it at my age, I feel like it makes it that bit better so I'm not really too down on not featuring as much as I would have liked."

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On transfer deadline day, Stoke City secured the signing of Niall Ennis from Blackburn Rovers, but the striker already knows Steven Schumacher having previously worked with him during his time at Plymouth Argyle.

Therefore, Pilgrims correspondent, Chris Errington, external, has been speaking to BBC Radio Stoke to deliver his opinion on whether the forward has the potential to become a success at the Bet365 Stadium.

"He, to me, is a sort of traditional penalty box player. Probably not going to do masses outside the penalty area, but he will come alive in the box and if you can create chances for him, he's a good finisher.

"Staying fit has been a little bit of an issue for him, that's something that Stoke will need to work on and make sure that they keep on top of any little niggles and bits and pieces that he gets.

"It's a big move now for Niall. He's staying in the Championship, he's going to be working with a manager who he knows really well and vice versa, this is a big opportunity for him.

"He knows him as a player, as a person and I know Steven puts a lot of emphasis on getting the right people as well as good players. Niall certainly comes in the category of a good person, great guy to talk to from a journalist's point of view, so I think the best chance of getting the best out of players is working with people that they know and trust, so I can see why they've reunited together at Stoke."

Rangers are interested in a move to sign Stoke City striker Tyrese Campbell at the end of the season, according to a recent report.

The Potters forward first emerged as a target for the Scottish Premiership outfit four years ago where talks were held, though a deal failed to come to fruition.

Philippe Clement's side are now looking to take a second bite of the cherry for the 24-year-old who will be out of contract and therefore a free agent in the summer. (Football Insider, external)

Following the 5-0 defeat to Leicester City, Stoke City are set to hit the road to take on Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, and BBC Radio Stoke's Angela Smith, external has been speaking to Lucas Yeomans to deliver her thoughts ahead of the game.

"Their manager is offering to leave, they've had problems signing a player, they've got injury problems, and a lot of people will use the term the 'charity bus' of Stoke will go into the stadium. I just hope that that doesn't happen and we turn it around this weekend. It's a tough game and one we have to get something out of.

"We do have this tendency to shoot ourselves in the foot when we get against good teams. You'd say that we've done okay at Blackburn. They battered us at home, they scored three against us at home this season and won probably at a canter.

"All I think every Stoke fan can ask for at the weekend is to give everything they've got. That's all you want as a fan. You don't want applause if they play well and they don't win, you want them to come off that pitch looking like they are dying for the shirt, and if they do that at the weekend then I think they've got a good chance of getting at least a point, hopefully three."

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Stoke City defender Junior Tchamadeu has recovered from a sickness bug and will be available for Steven Schumacher for this weekend's trip to Blackburn Rovers.

The 20-year-old started three games for Stoke City's new head coach before heading to the African Cup of Nations to represent Cameroon.

Speaking to BBC Radio Stoke, Tchamadeu said he's keen to nail down his place in Schumacher's starting eleven:

"He's given me opportunities and he's trusted me, which for me is key in football and that gives you the confidence and willingness to keep working hard and performing for him no matter what."

He continued, "It gives you that drive when you know you are getting rewarded for your hard work so that's important to me and obviously I respect that a lot."

"I just want to get back to doing what I was before, keep working hard and keep doing well with my performances and try and help the team," he said.

We asked you your thoughts on the current state of play at Stoke City. This is what you told us:

Bill - Stoke City's next two games are crucial to us staying in the Championship. Blackburn Rovers (18th) & QPR (22nd) in the league. If Stoke don't win both we will be sucked into a relegation battle. Whether Schumacher survives as head coach depends on the next few games. I think panic will set in and a new manager will be searched for.

Dr. Dave - Saturday's performance was the worst I can remember from Stoke in a long time (and that's saying something). I was there for the 0-7 v. Birmingham in 1998, and this was almost as bad. Schumacher looked and sounded shell-shocked and must be wondering what he's got himself into. Not his fault though - dire recruitment has left us with a terrible squad.

Bryan - On current form Stoke are in for a relegation fight. QPR game will be a huge important opportunity to get three points. Hopefully the management can sort out their best starting 11 and all the players give their all. I see them just avoiding the drop and hope the quality of football improves. This will help with planning for next season.

Bobby - We will stay up, I don’t think I’m doubting that really but I definitely want us to finish above 19th.🙏

David - I can only see relegation for us. Another unproven manager saying we are going to play attacking football is one thing, but if we attack we need to score and that's just not happening and the defence is non-existent. Totally embarrassing.

Kevin - We have no leader on the pitch and too many individuals playing for themselves. We have lost our identity since Tony Pulis left. We need a change of Director to take us forward and not backwards. His name is John Coates.

Do you agree? Have your say here.

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Stoke City have won just one home game since October and have only scored three times at the Bet365 during that period.

The Potters find themselves fifth from bottom of the Championship but do you think they will turn things around?

What's gone wrong at the club?

How big a job does Steven Schumacher have?

Which players have made an impact this season?

Send us your thoughts here

Stoke City have only won once at home since October and fans are worried about the prospect of relegation.

This is what some supporters told BBC Radio Stoke's Praise and Grumble show.

Paul - I'm absolutely gutted, words can't express what I have seen. It's like they don't know what they are doing.

John - Embarrassing to be honest, the players have to take responsibility I don't even know where we go from here. I understand Leicester are top of the league but we have to be realistic with the fact that players are getting paid phenomenal money and they should turn up. The level of quality has been abysmal.

Marcus - Sometimes you have to take a step back, we can get all these managers in but you have to look at the recruitment. We've got to look at people who are behind the manager and who brought these players in. I really am worried, I was optimistic when Schumacher came in but it's not down to the manager, it's down to the players. They need a wake up call and I'm lost for words.

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Former Stoke City midfielder Glenn Whelan says Steven Schumacher's team can turn their form around by working hard on the training pitch.

Whelan made more than 300 appearances for the Potters over a nine year period in which time helped the club win promotion to the Premier League in 2008 and to an FA Cup final in 2011.

Speaking after the club's 5-0 defeat to Leicester City, their heaviest loss at home since a 7-0 defeat to Birmingham in 1998, Whelan said:

"What the fans want is just a little bit more heart and desire to get around the pitch and after an hour if you are knackered and you've put everything in the manager will see that and you can make a few changes. There are certain lads that are going through the motions a little bit.

"For me it's a given, it hurts everybody I was never one that loved winning but what I did do I hated losing. I hated losing in training, in small sided games, I'd hate losing in one v one, so you have to show some heart and desire to get a result. If it's not for yourself or your family then who is it for?"

Stoke have only scored twice at home since the beginning of November and find themselves fifth from bottom of the Championship. Whelan said the players need to look at themselves:

"You can't be blaming the managers and coaches, it's hours on the training ground, it's hard work. If you give that first and foremost then the fans will stick with you," he said.

"It's not just Saturday it's Monday to Friday, you ask any of the players from our dressing room we'd have harder training sessions than some games because we gave everything."

He continued, "Arnautovic and Shaqiri once they came in they didn't realise how tough training was because there would be lads putting in harsh tackles on them in training because that's what we'd be doing in the games.

"Train the way you play, play the way you train and everything else will look after itself."

Stoke City will be without Josh Laurent, Enda Stevens and Junior Tchamadeu for Saturday afternoon's game vs Leicester City at the Bet365 Stadium.

The Potters captain remains on the sidelines with an ankle injury, while Stevens has suffered a fresh knock in training that will rule him out for several more weeks.

Despite having returned from the Africa Cup of Nations, Tchamadeu has picked up an illness so won't be available for selection for the visit of Enzo Maresca's side.

Niall Ennis is fit and set to be included in the matchday squad, Million Manhoef is waiting to receive clearance on his work permit where he will find out whether he can join in, and Jack Bonham is set to return between the sticks due to Daniel Iversen being on loan from the opposition.

Ahead of Stoke City's upcoming home game vs Leicester City on Saturday, Steven Schumacher has been speaking to BBC Radio Stoke's Matt Sandoz at his pre-match press conference to discuss his two fresh faces and the challenge of the current league leaders.

Ennis: "Niall Ennis is a centre-forward that I know all about. I've worked with him for a good few years. I know what his strengths and what his weaknesses are and I know what he's going to bring to the club and I'm sure the fans are going to like watching him play. Niall is a centre-forward that gives 100% every single week, comes into the building all the time, works really hard on his game and is really enthusiastic, so really pleased for him to be here and if he can play with some confidence which he hasn't been able to do this season so far at Blackburn, if he can come here and play with some confidence then he's a good player."

Manhoef: "Million brings a left-footed version of a forward player that we didn't have so he's a wide player that likes to dribble and likes to cut inside and can get shots away on his left foot, so in the system that we play, that's really important, so he's going to be hopefully an exciting player for us, not just for this season, for the future, and he's a young player with loads of room to develop and grow, so pleased that we were able to bring him to the club."

The Foxes: "They are the best team in the league. At the moment, they are sitting clear at the top of the division and we only have to look through their squad and it's just blessed with talent and also they've got a really talented manager who has got them playing an incredible way, so it's hard to play against them, but as I said before, you do get opportunities. If you're brave and if you commit to your game plan, you can get a chance, so when you get them chances, you've got to take them, because if you don't, they punish you."

With Stoke City preparing to take on Leicester City, we asked you to send in your score predictions and thoughts as to how the game could pan out following the new arrivals of Million Manhoef and Niall Ennis.

Here are some of the responses that we received:

Carlos: To be honest, I can't think of a worse time to play the Foxes. We're playing some decent approach play but our forwards couldn't hit a barn door with a banjo. I think we will come good eventually but another home defeat will dent confidence and that's the last thing we need at this time of the season, especially considering our league position.

Neil: The owners need to decide if they want to be a Premier League club again or are just content to play in the bottom half of the Championship, they must get good strikers, especially a top centre-forward, for me the club seem quite content to just roll along and go with the flow, not good enough I’m afraid! Think it will be one each against Leicester.

Jonathan: Two great signings that will put us on the front foot even more. I think Leicester will encounter a different Stoke team to the one earlier in the season although I still expect they will win.

Geoffrey: Three one to Leicester.

David: 3 nil loss.

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Stoke City and Dwight Gayle have reached an agreement to terminate the striker's contract at the club with immediate effect.

The Potters forward first joined the club back in July 2022, but he only scored three goals in the 50 appearances that he made since that time.

Speaking following his departure, Technical Director Ricky Martin said:

"Dwight has been a true professional throughout his time with Stoke City and a positive influence around Clayton Wood. We thank him for his efforts during the past season and a half and wish him all the best for the future.”