Stokevs.Burnley

The Potters have endured a spell of draws following the international break, whilst the Clarets are making significant strides towards promotion to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Match preview

Since the 3-2 defeat in the fourth round of the EFL Cup at the home of Premier League Southampton on October 29, Stoke City have enjoyed a productive November schedule so far in the Championship, with Saturday's hosts extending their unbeaten streak to five matches by sharing the spoils with Preston North End on Tuesday night.

The contest versus the struggling Lilywhites was the definition of a bore draw in the second tier, with neither Viktor Johansson nor Freddie Woodman having any significant work to do on the night in Staffordshire, although the Preston shot-stopper received a red card in the final moments.

Looking to end a run of three straight stalemates this weekend, Stoke are currently occupying 14th position in the Championship standings, six points ahead of Hull City in the highest of the relegation spots and six points off Middlesbrough, who are taking up the final playoff spot at this stage.

The Potters should be relatively confident of recording a positive result at their Staffordshire base on Saturday afternoon considering that they are six unbeaten at the bet365 Stadium, with that spell including a 6-1 thrashing of newly-promoted Portsmouth at the start of October.

Bagging four goals against Pompey that night, Leicester City loanee Tom Cannon is the jewel of Stoke's attack after netting seven Championship strikes so far, with the Republic of Ireland international attracting interest from clubs higher up the second-tier pecking order such as Sheffield United.

Dropping down from the Premier League last season under the stewardship of Vincent Kompany, Burnley - now managed by second-tier expert Scott Parker - have recorded three straight wins for the first time in the 2024-25 campaign after a convincing success over Coventry on Tuesday night.

Following a goalless first period at a wet and windy Turf Moor, the Clarets burst into life during the final 45 minutes to make sure of all the points, with a cheeky finish from Jeremy Sarmiento and Conrad Egan-Riley's first for the club securing victory over a managerless Sky Blues.

Enjoying back-to-back wins since returning from the final international pause of the calendar year, Burnley have propelled themselves up to third in the Championship table ahead of this weekend's trip to the Potteries, sitting just two points behind Sheffield United in second.

The Clarets' impressive start to the 2024-25 term has been built on a foundation of defensive solidity, with Parker's troops keeping five clean sheets across their last six matches in the Championship, with a centre-back duo of Egan-Riley and Maxime Esteve thriving in front of goalkeeper James Trafford.

Despite Stoke's formidable recent record at the bet365 Stadium, Burnley will be targeting maximum points this weekend, especially considering their away form, as they have earned 15 points from nine league trips - only West Bromwich Albion (16) boast a better tally from their respective Championship travels.

Stoke City Championship form:

L

W

W

D

D

D

Stoke City form (all competitions):

L

W

W

D

D

D

Burnley Championship form:

D

L

D

W

W

W

Team News

Stoke remain without the services of midfielder Ben Pearson, who has not featured for the hosts this season due to a hamstring injury sustained over the summer.

The Potters' options in the engine room are further reduced by the absence of former Celtic youngster Bosun Lawal, with the 21-year-old battling a back issue.

Towering forward Sam Gallagher remains in the Stoke medical room because of a calf strain, meaning that Foxes loanee Cannon should continue as the central striker.

Amid the absences of Lyle Foster and Mike Tresor, 35-year-old Jay Rodriguez is relishing an extended run in the Burnley XI and is set to play once again this weekend.

Although the Clarets' defence is shining at the moment, head coach Parker will still be missing the presence of Hannes Delcroix and Joe Worrall.

Stoke City possible starting lineup:

Johansson; Wilmot, Phillips, Gibson, Stevens; Seko, Burger, Manhoef, Moran, Bae; Cannon

Burnley possible starting lineup:

Trafford; Roberts, Egan-Riley, Esteve, Pires; Cullen, Laurent, Anthony, Mejbri, Sarmiento; Rodriguez

We say: Stoke City 0-1 Burnley

Failing to find a spark against Preston last time out, Stoke look set for another frustrating match in front of goal this weekend when they face a stubborn Burnley outfit.

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