Stoke City vs Sheffield United: Championship Preview

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Stoke City find themselves in a much-improved position heading into the penultimate round of fixtures, sitting 17th in the table and four points above the relegation zone. That margin could be enough to keep them safe, but Mark Robins's side will want to remove any doubt by returning to winning ways in front of their home fans.

After a sluggish period prior to the March international break, the Potters sparked a mini-revival, going five unbeaten and picking up vital wins against Cardiff and Sheffield Wednesday. That run lifted them clear of immediate danger, but any momentum was halted in emphatic fashion last time out, as they suffered a bruising 6-0 defeat at Leeds United on Easter Monday. Joel Piroe struck four times in a rampant first-half display, leaving Stoke wounded but not yet broken.

Sheffield United, meanwhile, are adjusting their focus after their automatic promotion push ended earlier this week. The Blades sat top of the table just weeks ago but a poor stretch of form — four defeats in their last five — has seen them lose ground at the wrong time.

Following losses to Oxford, Millwall, and bottom-side Plymouth, a 2-1 defeat to promotion rivals Burnley on Monday confirmed Chris Wilder’s men will have to go through the playoffs to try and reclaim a spot in the Premier League. Josh Brownhill’s brace undid a Tom Cannon equaliser at Turf Moor, leaving United third and out of reach of the top two.

Head-to-Head

Stoke and Sheffield United have already met once this season, playing out a tight contest earlier in the campaign. Historically, the fixture has been relatively even, but Stoke have held the upper hand at home in recent meetings.

The Potters are unbeaten in their last four home matches against the Blades in all competitions, and will be looking to extend that streak in a fixture that has often produced narrow margins.

What’s at Stake

For Stoke, this is a crucial opportunity to mathematically secure their Championship status. A win would put them beyond reach of the bottom three, regardless of results elsewhere, ensuring a seventh straight season in England’s second tier.

For Sheffield United, with third place already confirmed, the focus now shifts to rebuilding confidence and rhythm ahead of the playoffs. While the result won't impact their league position, regaining form is vital as they prepare for knockout football in early May.

Sheffield United have lost four of their last five Championship matches, while Stoke are unbeaten in three of their last four home games – form that could prove pivotal with survival on the line.

Team News

Stoke City:

• Unavailable: Enda Stevens, Eric Bocat, Michael Rose (defenders), Jordan Thompson, Sol Sidibe (midfielders)
• Likely changes: Mark Robins may shuffle his pack after the heavy defeat at Leeds.
  • Ali Al-Hamadi is expected to lead the line again.
  • Million Manhoef and Bae Jun-ho will provide width, while Tatsuki Seko and Lewis Koumas are pushing for starts in midfield.
  • Ben Gibson could return to the backline.
    
     

Sheffield United:

• Unavailable: Harry Clarke, Rhys Norrington-Davies (defenders), Oliver Arblaster, Tom Davies (midfielders)
• Possible rotation: With the playoffs in mind, Chris Wilder may rest key players.
  • Tom Cannon, who scored against Burnley, is likely to lead the line.
  • Rhian Brewster, Tyrese Campbell, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, and Callum O’Hare are all in contention for attacking roles.
  • Hamza Choudhury could feature in midfield alongside Sydie Peck, with Rob Holding or Alfie Gilchrist likely to come in at right-back.