Stoke City

Stoke City are set to welcome Leicester City to the Bet365 Stadium on Saturday afternoon for their next game in the Championship, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm UK time.

The Potters will have more players available compared to the last time they faced the current league leaders because they were in the middle of an injury crisis, not to mention that Alex Neil was still in charge, so could the hosts gain a result second time around against the Foxes?

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

Have your say here.

Stoke City are reportedly pushing ahead with a late move to sign Vitesse winger Million Manhoef and are also hoping to get a centre-forward through the door before tonight's transfer deadline at 11pm. (Stoke On Trent Live), external

The Potters have rejected a bid of just over £850,000 from Verona for Tyrese Campbell, though he is on the radar of Scottish Premiership rivals Celtic and Rangers due to his contract expiring in the summer. (Football Insider, external)

Turkish Super Lig side Konyaspor have made a loan with an option to buy proposal for Ryan Mmaee, but the player himself has turned down the offer. Emre Tezgel is also expected to join League Two's MK Dons temporarily until the conclusion of the campaign. (Fraser Fletcher, external)

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On This Day: 1 February 1915

One of Stoke City's most iconic players to ever wear the shirt, Sir Stanley Matthews CBE, was born, and he is someone whose extraordinary ability went down in history.

The Potters forward spent the majority of his career at the club, apart from short spells at Blackpool and Toronto City, making his first-team debut against Bury on 19 March 1932.

The Hanley-born talent received plenty of recognition for his outstanding performances having been crowned the first ever Ballon d'Or winner in 1956, while also being the first ever footballer to receive a knighthood.

Having additionally represented England at two consecutive World Cups, Matthews was even a hero internationally and it'll be difficult for anyone to replicate his kind of form ever again.

Image source, Stoke City

Stoke City's U17s have made it through to the semi-finals of the Premier League Cup after securing a 3-0 victory over Aston Villa on Tuesday night.

The Potters were helped over the line thanks to goals from Sol Sidibe, Jaden Dixon and Dean Adekoya, and the club's academy coach, Dave Hibbert, heaped praise on his side for their high standard of performance earlier in midweek.

“It was a proper Stoke City performance as we were aggressive in the press, won the ball back high, and then showed quality once we had the ball.

“We were on the front foot, were aggressive and that is exactly how we want to play at this football club so it was a credit to the boys that they carried out the plan so well.”

Having progressed to the last four of the competition, the youngsters are set to face either Manchester City, Chelsea or Wolves in the hope of going all the way to the final where silverware could be on the cards.

With the winter transfer window having almost closed, Stoke City will be looking ahead as to who they could sign in the summer, and the 72cast's Matt Watts, external has named three areas in particular where the club could strengthen.

"At centre-half, someone that I really like is Charlie Hughes at Wigan. Charlie Hughes is 20-years-old, he's an England youth international, he's played a lot of minutes for Wigan this season and he is someone that has attracted a bit of attention from teams in the Premier League. I've also picked out Eoin Toal at Bolton, an Irish defender, he's a very big, strapping defender. 24, very good in both boxes. I think he is someone who, if Bolton don't go up this year, could well move onto a Championship club in the summer.

"At left-back, Harrison Burrows at Peterborough. Harrison Burrows has really stood out this season, three goals and eight assists for a really good, young, attacking Peterborough side. He's also quite versatile as well, he can play left midfield, he can play centre midfield, so he's someone that I really like. Someone like Jodi Jones at Notts County could be a good shout. He's already equalled the record for League Two assists this season, he's having a fantastic campaign.

On the striker front, he added: "Macaulay Langstaff. He scored loads of goals for Notts County in the National League last season, quite a prominent part in the Wrexham documentary, he's carried that on in League Two. He's already got 20 goals in the league this season, five assists as well. He's only 26, and when you bear in mind he hasn't really played a lot of EFL football, you'd like to think that there's a lot more development there."

Stoke City are reportedly set to sanction the sale of D'Margio Wright-Phillips, with the right-winger close to joining Belgian side Germinal Beerschot.

The Potters forward was left out of the squad submitted to the EFL at the start of the season, so limited game time means that a late departure is looking likely. It's currently unknown whether this would be on a loan or permanent basis.

The First Division B club, who are managed by Dirk Kuyt, already have Thibaud Verlinden in the building, so he could be set for a reunion with his former teammate. (Stoke On Trent Live, external)

With Steven Schumacher, Ricky Martin and the Coates family heading into the closing stages of the transfer window, Stoke On Trent Live reporter Pete Smith, external has been speaking to BBC Radio Stoke to discuss whether club chiefs are likely to make any final additions to their ranks.

"Stoke are fishing in different markets at the moment. I mean how many of us knew really about Bae Junho or Wouter Burger or Andre Vidigal or Ryan Mmaee before they suddenly happened in the summer? I don't think they were well-trailed signings that Stoke were going to make. January was always going to be quieter anyway because they had such a busy summer window and you just can't get those kind of deals in January and you don't expect that kind of turnover.

"I do think Stoke have been looking around Europe to see what's out there to improve the starting eleven, particularly up front in a striker who can come in and immediately contribute goals because Stoke still need to score more goals. I think those deals are very hard to get done, ambitious deals, surprise, exotic deals are very difficult to get over the line in January. I wouldn't be surprised if Stoke pulled away from doing them and backed what they had in the building before the deadline goes on Thursday."

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On This Day: 31 January 2009

Stoke secured a 1-0 victory over Manchester City in the Premier League, with James Beattie scoring the only goal of the game at the Britannia Stadium.

The Potters were reduced to ten men when Rory Delap received a red card for kicking out at Shaun Wright-Phillips, but that didn't stop the hosts from taking the lead after Beattie headed home a cross from Matthew Etherington.

With Mark Hughes being in charge of the visitors at the time, Tony Pulis wasn't to know that his rival would soon turn into his successor after accepting the opportunity to take charge of the red and white stripes four years later.

Stoke Line-Up: Sorensen, Wilkinson, Shawcross, Abdoulaye Faye, Pugh, Delap, Whelan, Amdy Faye (Griffin 78), Etherington (Sonko 86), Beattie, Fuller (Cresswell 46).

Man City Line-Up: Hart, Richards, Kompany, Onuoha, Bridge, Wright-Phillips, De Jong (Caicedo 72), Zabaleta (Elano 55), Ireland, Bellamy, Robinho.

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Stoke City supporter and host of the Potterlytics Podcast, external, George Weaver, has been speaking to BBC Radio Stoke to share his thoughts on Luke Cundle's start to life at the Bet365 Stadium.

"It's difficult. I think, to be honest, in the type of role that he plays, I think he's on a bit of a hiding to nothing. He's much more of a connector than he is any kind of player who can bring magic to the role. He's not going to create something from nothing necessarily, he's not going to be incredibly solid defensively, he's not going to dribble past people or anything like that, he's just there to sort of play in-between the lines and make sure that things are linked up.

"If the team is not playing well, it's pretty rare that he is going to look like he's done much, and if the team is playing well, even then he's kind of going to be the seven out of ten instead of the nine out of ten because he's not necessarily got the goal or the assist or something like that.

"He was bigged up a little bit on his debut and he did a lot of running, he did a lot of good work, but I thought there's certainly more to come from him and it'll be interesting to see whether, after the Sunderland game, where I think probably he was one of the issues in terms of the midfield dropping back and being a little bit open, it'll be interesting to see whether he keeps his role in such a difficult game against Leicester."

We asked you for your thoughts on Stoke City's current predicament and lack of goals.

This is what you told us:

Chris - We can’t score goals because the forwards we have are too lightweight for this league and we need a tough, no-nonsense striker to feed off the passes. We are creating some great opportunities but at times we're just not strong enough. There’s a lot of talk about how we’ve improved, but our league position hasn’t and it needs to be addressed in this window.

Robin - You're in trouble if you can't create chances, we can. The number is rising, so now for the hard work on the training ground. Put a few away and we become a formidable outfit.

Steve - We have to literally put our heads on the line. Be brave, especially at set-pieces. Make every attack count and get really angry with ourselves if we miss the target. Do not pass the buck. Ignore the opposition when attacking, focus on one thing - scoring !

David - No ambition from the board hence another unproven manager. No firepower up front and no keeper to speak of.

Jimmy - A lack of quality in the final third but also saying that they have a lack of confidence at the back. I feel a strong keeper who is vocal would improve the defence. The old saying is build from the back first. Stoke are currently on their third different keeper of the season. Unfortunately for Stoke, we have a combination of issues to correct in summer.

Do you agree? Have your say here.

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Stoke City's Lynden Gooch has taken to social media to defend himself after his performance was criticised following the Potter's 3-1 defeat at Sunderland, Gooch's former club.

The 28-year-old joined Stoke from Sunderland in September and has scored two goals in 12 league starts.

In response to personal criticism on X, formerly known as Twitter, Gooch said:

"I’ve seen a few of these [posts] now that I feel like I need to say something. I have given everything in a Stoke City shirt since I have joined and will continue to do so. We got beat by the better team on Saturday who were more ruthless than us in both boxes."

Saturday's defeat saw Stoke slip to just three places above the relegation zone.

The Potters are one of the lowest scoring teams in the Championship but have had 38 shots over their last two games.

In those games they have scored just twice - one of those being an own goal. Head coach Steven Schumacher told BBC Radio Stoke how he's trying to change things:

"We're creating more chances than we have previously, but the chances that we are creating aren't being taken.

"The only way you can do something about it is either a) change the players or b) change the mentality," he said.

"For me, you're going to have to change the mentality first and foremost on the training pitch. You have to concentrate when we're doing finishing sessions when we are doing things in and around the goal."

Why can't Stoke City score goals?

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Stoke City have lost their last two Championship fixtures conceding five goals in the process.

What do you think of the last two performances?

Why aren't the Potters scoring more goals?

What do you think of the football under Steven Schumacher?

How many players would you like to see arrive in the transfer window?

Where do you think Steven Schumacher's team will finish this season?

Send us your thoughts here

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Stoke City head coach Steven Schumacher feels his players are buckling under the pressure when it comes to scoring goals.

After Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Sunderland the Potters are three places above the relegation zone.

BBC Radio Stoke pundit and former Potters defender Denis Smith says they can put things right with hard work:

"What they have got to do is work their position in training, it's boring and it's repetitive but it works.

He continued, "We're getting the chances but what we're not doing is taken them, we have to get into the habit of just relaxing and hitting the back of the net.

"They're professional footballers and as a striker your job is to score goals. That's what you do for a living so you should be finishing better than we have done," Smith said.

"The head coach has done brilliant since he's come in and even the performances, when we haven't won, I've enjoyed."

After a 3-1 defeat at Sunderland and another weekend where Stoke City struggled to score goals, Potter's fans have had their say when it comes to the team's most recent performance:

Andrew - "We've just got to believe in the manager and what he's trying to do, he's definitely got a positive approach to the game and I think we just have to back him and he's going to turn it around."

Matt - "I'd rather have a tried and tested Lewis Baker in midfield, we know what we get with Lewis Baker, he'll shoot on sight. We didn't really lay a glove on Sunderland and conceded position all the time. I'm not massively worried, I like Schumacher and his way of playing football."

Vinnie - "We're not taking chances and it's costing us, it's just one of those things that is happening down at Stoke. We really are struggling for goals. If we find the net we will put some teams to the sword."

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Ahead of Stoke City's meeting with Sunderland, BBC Radio Stoke's Lucas Yeomans has been speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle's Black Cats reporter Nick Barnes, external to discuss which opposition players could cause the biggest problem for Steven Schumacher's side.

"Jack Clarke is the obvious one because he's had a good season. You know, he's by far and away their leading scorer. He is a tricky player, he's a difficult player to play against, there's an argument that he's a bit of a one-trick pony, you know what he's going to do on that left wing. There's not a huge amount beyond that. End product perhaps should be greater, but that's being hypocritical of a very talented player.

"They have others. Dan Ballard, a centre-back that's been superb this season, a bit of an unsung hero in many ways. I think Dan Neil in central midfield as well. He's only 22, but he is undoubtedly destined for bigger things. Trai Hume has had a fantastic season. Playing right-back now but he's been playing left-back, so there are some very talented individuals. Anthony Patterson, the goalkeeper, some very talented individuals within the team."

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Stoke City have no fresh injury concerns to report ahead of Saturday's trip to face Sunderland in the Championship at the Stadium of Light.

Potters midfielder Josh Laurent has been out on the sidelines with an ankle problem for the past five league games, and head coach Steven Schumacher confirmed at his pre-match press conference that he is still not likely to be involved for another two weeks.

With Cameroon having progressed to the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations, Junior Tchamadeu also remains unavailable for selection until he returns from international duty.

With Stoke City preparing to take on Sunderland, we asked you to send in your score predictions and thoughts as to how the game could pan out.

Here are some of the responses that we received:

Simon: Massive moment for us. Would go with a front three of Ty (Campbell), Mmaee, Leris with Junho in behind, and Burger and Baker as 8’s. Back four Gooch, Wilmot, Rose, Thompson and Iversen in the net. Some team that and one that I would trust to bring home three points!

Ben: I think that Stoke City will score. 3 nil against Sunderland. Stoke City will win very easily.

Robin: Tough game but one that we can win. 3 - 0.

David: Sunderland 1:3 Stoke.

• When Stoke and Sunderland faced each other in the reverse fixture of this game back in October 2023, the hosts secured a 2-1 win at the Bet365.

• The Potters are now unbeaten in their last four away games and will be looking to extend that run to five by taking all three points on Saturday.

• The Black Cats have only won two of their opening seven matches across all competitions under new manager Michael Beale.

• However, Jack Clarke is still a key player to watch for the visitors having scored against his former club when the two teams last met.

• Steven Schumacher's side are 19th in the Championship table as it stands, while their upcoming opponents are 10th, one victory outside the top six.

Image source, Stoke City

Stoke City striker Nathan Lowe has put pen to paper on a fresh four-and-a-half year deal, keeping him at the Bet365 Stadium until at least 2028.

The Potters academy graduate has made seven appearances in the Championship this season, with his late goal in the 3-2 victory over Bristol City in September being a memorable moment for both himself and supporters.

Speaking to the club's official website about his delight, the 18-year-old said:

“It has been a great year but I am solely focused on writing the next chapter. It is nice to reflect, and the feeling of scoring the winner at Bristol City was indescribable.

"It is an emotion I am determined to experience again and again. I am so hungry for more opportunities and to impress every time I get onto the pitch. I firmly believe in the opportunity I have here and I am looking forward to seeing where the journey takes me next.”