Stoke vs Sheffield United: Potters can preserve second tier status
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- Stoke are unbeaten in their last five home matches
- Sheffield United have lost four of their last five fixtures
- Recommended bet: Stoke draw no bet
Stoke have competed in one of the top two divisions since 2002, but they are approaching their penultimate game of the Championship season with work to do in the survival scrap.
The Potters went five games unbeaten after the March international break, but they were beaten 6-0 at Leeds on Monday and are positioned just four points above the relegation zone.
While Stoke are keen to retain second-tier status, their opponents, Sheffield United are beginning the process of getting ready for the playoffs.
The Blades lost 2-1 at Burnley on Monday, knocking them out of contention in the race for automatic promotion.
Chris Wilder’s side have tasted defeat four times in April and will be keen to restore their fortunes in preparation for key battles to come.
Team news
The home side are expected to be without injured defenders Enda Stevens, Eric Bocat (both calf) and midfielders Jordan Thompson (ankle) and Sol Sidibe (back).
Changes will be pondered as Sheffield United prepare for the play-offs but there will be no involvement for injured pair Rhys Norrington-Davies (groin) and Ollie Arblaster (knee). Tyrese Campbell, Rhian Brewster, Rob Holding, Callum O’Hare and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi are among the players in contention for recalls to the starting eleven.
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The stats
Stoke have scored in seven of their last eight home fixtures. The Potters have lost just one of their previous six matches.
Sheffield United have suffered single-goal defeats in each of their last three away fixtures.
The Blades have scored less than two goals in six of their last seven away matches.
Six of Sheffield United’s last nine fixtures have featured less than three goals.
Prediction
Stoke are among eight teams involved in the Championship relegation scrap but they can make sure of an extended second tier stay by defeating Sheffield United in their final home game of the season.
Mark Robins’ side were outfought and outclassed during Monday’s 6-0 reverse at Leeds but they have performed well in recent home games, including last Friday’s comfortable 2-0 success over Sheffield Wednesday.
The Potters will be aiming for one final push and they have a decent chance of upsetting Sheffield United, who are going through their worst run of the season.
Blades boss Chris Wilder may choose to protect some of his key players for the play-offs and that could work to the advantage of Stoke, who can claim a ninth home league win of the season.
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