Stoke City vs Leicester City: Prediction, Team News, and Lineups Preview
In an upcoming Championship clash, Stoke City will host Leicester City at the bet365 Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Both teams are desperate for their first victories in February after disappointing performances in the FA Cup last weekend.
Recent Performances
Stoke City faced a setback, losing to Premier League side Fulham in the FA Cup. This defeat extended their winless streak to seven matches across all competitions, including four losses and three draws. The Potters have managed only two Championship victories since January, leading to a drop to 14th place in the league standings, five points behind the playoff spots.
Similarly, Leicester City is struggling. They also suffered a defeat in the FA Cup against Southampton. Following the departure of their previous manager, the team has only secured one point from their last six Championship matches. Currently, they sit just two points above the relegation zone and are searching for stability under new manager Gary Rowett.
Head-to-Head Record
The historical rivalry leans heavily in favor of Leicester, who are unbeaten in their last 11 encounters with Stoke City. The Potters last claimed victory against the Foxes in January 2015. In the ten subsequent matches, Stoke has been unable to find the back of the net against Leicester.
Team News
- Stoke City: Goalkeeper Viktor Johansson is out with a shoulder injury. Youngster Tommy Simkin will take his place, while Gavin Bazunu and Junior Tchamadeu are also sidelined. Attacking options are limited with Sam Gallagher and Robert Bozenik both unavailable.
- Leicester City: Jordan James, the team’s top scorer, is missing due to a hamstring injury. Young talents Olabade Aluko and Divine Mukasa have been introduced into the squad to bolster their chances of avoiding relegation.
Potential Lineups
Here are the expected lineups for both sides as they prepare for this crucial encounter:
| Stoke City | Leicester City |
|---|---|
| Simkin | Stolarczyk |
| Lawal | Pereira |
| Phillips | Okoli |
| Wilmot | Nelson |
| Cresswell | Thomas |
| Seko | Skipp |
| Nzonzi | Winks |
| Rak-Sakyi | Fatawu |
| Rigo | Mukasa |
| Thomas | Mavididi |
| Cisse | Daka |
Match Prediction
This weekend’s match is intriguing given the stakes for both teams. Stoke City will look to end their winless run against Leicester, while the Foxes will aim to reignite their season under Rowett’s guidance. A closely contested match is anticipated, and a draw may be the most likely outcome, with both teams possibly settling for a 1-1 finish.
