AliousSunderland’s promotion ambitions will be tested this Sunday when they visit the bet365 Stadium to face a struggling Stoke City side in a vital Championship fixture.
Sunderland, currently fourth in the table with 44 points, are aiming to strengthen their playoff position, while Stoke City, sitting 19th with 22 points, are desperate to claw their way out of the relegation battle.
Stoke’s recent form has been dismal, with the Potters winless in nine matches and suffering five defeats in their last six games, including a 2-0 loss to Leeds United on Boxing Day.
Despite a stronger showing at home, where they’ve lost only twice in nine games, they’ve managed just one victory in that period. Following the Leeds defeat, Stoke parted ways with manager Narcis Pelach, but as of now, no details about their interim coaching setup have been announced.
Stoke’s precarious position sees them only three points clear of Hull City in the final relegation spot, having played a game more than Cardiff City and Plymouth Argyle, who sit below them.
Meanwhile, Sunderland enter the game on the back of a thrilling 2-2 draw against Blackburn Rovers, where they created four big chances and demonstrated their attacking threat.
However, manager Regis Le Bris expressed dissatisfaction with his team’s first-half performance, suggesting they operated well below their potential.
Sunderland’s recent form has been strong, with four wins in their last six matches and ten goals scored during that stretch.
Their away record is solid, having suffered just one defeat in their last eight road games, though they’ve also been prone to draws, with four in their last six away outings.
Stoke’s lineup is likely to see several changes due to injuries.
Midfielders Ben Pearson and Jordan Thompson are unavailable, meaning Souleymane Sidibe and Wouter Burger are expected to anchor the midfield.
In defense, a back three of Ben Wilmot, Ashley Phillips, and Ben Gibson is probable, as Enda Stevens remains sidelined until January. Up front, with Million Manhoef ruled out, Thomas Cannon is expected to lead the line, flanked by Andrew Moran and Lewis Koumas.
For Sunderland, injuries to key players such as defenders Daniel Ballard, Jenson Seelt, and Niall Huggins, as well as midfielders Alan Browne and Salis Abdul Samed, have forced adjustments.
Chris Rigg, who was injured against Blackburn, could be replaced by Adil Aouchiche, who may feature alongside Patrick Roberts, Eliezer Mayenda, and Wilson Isidor in attack.
The midfield duo of Jobe Bellingham and Dan Neil is expected to start, while the backline will likely include Trai Hume, Chris Mepham, Luke O’Nien, and Dennis Cirkin.
### Predicted Starting Lineups
**Stoke City**: Johansson; Wilmot, Phillips, Gibson; Tchamadeu, Sidibe, Burger, Gooch; Moran, Cannon, Koumas
**Sunderland**: Patterson; Hume, Mepham, O’Nien, Cirkin; Neil, Bellingham; Roberts, Aouchiche, Mayenda; Isidor
### Prediction: Stoke City 1-3 Sunderland
While Sunderland’s away form has been inconsistent, their attacking firepower and Stoke’s ongoing struggles make the visitors favorites for this encounter.
Stoke may create moments of resistance, but their current form and managerial uncertainty leave them unlikely to secure any points against a determined Sunderland side.
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