Stokevs.Watford

The Hornets head into the weekend in ninth place in the Championship table, while the Potters are languishing in 20th position.

Match preview

Stoke have endured a flurry of defeats in recent times, having lost three of their previous four Championship matches.

After falling to a 2-0 defeat against Bristol City, the Potters got back to winning ways with a 3-1 home victory over Swansea, before they were quickly brought back down to earth by a 4-2 away loss against Norwich.

They then experienced another disappointing result in Tuesday's home clash against Middlesbrough despite going into the break on level terms following Bae Jun-ho's equaliser.

Boro's Finn Azaz and Tommy Conway grabbed a goal apiece in the second period to condemn Stoke to their first home league defeat since December, leaving them in 20th place and five points above the drop zone.

Stoke boss Mark Robins may fancy his team's chances of avoiding defeat on Saturday, having won two and drawn four of his previous six managerial meetings with Watford since his Coventry side lost 3-2 in November 2020.

The Potters also enjoyed success in their most recent home against the Hornets in August 2023, which saw Andre Vidigal score the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory.

Watford have got their playoff bid back on track with consecutive victories bringing an end to their five-game winless run (D1, L5).

The Hornets recorded a narrow 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough, before they returned to Vicarage Road to claim derby bragging rights against rivals Luton Town on Sunday.

Tom Dele-Bashiru and Edo Kayembe found the net in the first half to guide their team to a 2-0 victory in the M1 derby, bringing an end to Watford's five-game losing run at Vicarage Road.

As a result of their first home win since Boxing Day, Tom Cleverley's side moved up to ninth place in the Championship table, leaving them three points adrift of the top six with 12 games left to play.

After winning their last two matches with clean sheets, the Hornets now have the chance to record three consecutive league wins without conceding for the first time since December 2015.

Saturday's visitors also have the chance to record a league double over the Potters after easing to a 3-0 victory in August's reverse fixture thanks to a Kayembe brace and a Ryan Andrews effort.

Stoke City Championship form:

D

W

L

W

L

L

Stoke City form (all competitions):

W

L

L

W

L

L

Watford Championship form:

L

L

D

L

W

W

Team News

The hosts are still unable to call upon Ben Gibson, Sol Sidibe, Ryan Mmaee, Lynden Gooch and Josh Wilson-Esbrand.

Midfielder Wouter Burger remains a doubt for Saturday's fixture after sitting out the last two matches with a knee issue.

Ali Al-Hamadi will also have to be assessed following his absence from the midweek defeat to Middlesbrough due to a groin problem.

As for the visitors, they will head to the bet365 Stadium without Daniel Bachmann, Pierre Dwomoh, Kwadwo Baah and Keven Keben.

James Abankwah, Yasser Larouci and Giorgi Chakvetadze are all expected to be available for selection despite being forced off against Luton.

Captain Moussa Sissoko is set to return to the matchday squad after failing to prove his fitness in time for Sunday's derby win.

Stoke City possible starting lineup:

Johansson; Wilmot, Phillips, Rose, Stevens; Pearson, Baker; Bae, Moran, Seko; Lowe

Watford possible starting lineup:

Selvik; Ngakia, Pollock, Abankwah, Larouci; Louza, Sissoko; Dele-Bashiru, Kayembe, Chakvetadze; Doumbia

We say: Stoke City 1-1 Watford

Written by

Ben Sully

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