Stoke City

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Stoke City earned a 1-1 draw against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, coming behind from a goal down to take a point at Hillsborough.

Speaking to BBC Radio Stoke's Sohail Sahi during his post-match interview, Steven Schumacher praised the belief of his side to find the equaliser:

"In the first half, we had to come under intense pressure, but thankfully we stood up to it. We spoke about what we could do better at half time, get a bit more pressure on the ball higher up the pitch which we did.

"Second half, we were better. Probably unfortunate to go behind when we did. I thought the game was quite even then, but we showed a brilliant response. Changed our shape, went for a bit more attacking.

"We expected Sheffield Wednesday to tire. Spaces opened up and the creative players caused them a problem.

"In the end, a really good goal from Cundle, but we maybe could have nicked it because he blocked one from going in off Junho.

"It's still a good result. It would have been brilliant if we'd have got a win, but also, we could have lost the game at the very end.

"Josh Laurent makes a goal-line clearance which was as good as a goal, so we take it on the chin and move on."

You can listen to the full interview here.

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Ahead of Stoke City's upcoming away game vs Sheffield Wednesday, Steven Schumacher has been speaking to the media at his pre-match press conference.

The Potters head coach has previewed this weekend's opponents, whether his side can beat the drop and how important it's going to be to put on a performance for the 4,000 fans who are making the trip to South Yorkshire.

The Owls: "Going to Hillsborough is always hard, no matter what situation they are in. They had a good result in midweek. We expect them to play with confidence and momentum, so we need to make sure we are ready for it. We can't start the game slow, we need to get on the front foot and try and make it a difficult day for them."

Relegation battle: "It's probably going to go to the wire. We need to just focus on ourselves. Try and get the results and points where we can and if we do have a bad result, quickly move on. Understand what we did wrong in that game and then do something about it."

Support of fans: "It's massive. The fans who travelled on Wednesday night were brilliant. We felt that our performance wasn't good enough and we almost let them down, so we need to put that right. Can't perform like that again because with 4,000 fans going there, we need to make sure that they can see we are up for the fight."

With Stoke City preparing to face Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, we asked you to send in your score predictions and thoughts as to how you think the game could pan out.

Here are some of the responses we received:

KL: Stoke will want to remedy a poor Wednesday performance. When they play aggressively from the first whistle they can match most teams, but too often they play a negative game, holding up and playing square or more likely backwards. Defending is frequently mired by poor vision and individual errors. Stoke win 1-2.

SD: We have a mix of young players with potential, alongside trouble making journeymen. If we repeat the shameful performance vs Swansea (bearing in mind Sheff Wed battled back from two down for a point vs Norwich), we’ll get beaten by 3/4. Shameful to be honest, sums up our 2023/24 season perfectly.

Adrian: All decided in the next two games. Win both we are totally safe, draw both we are most likely safe. Lose one and only draw the other, or lose both, and we will be twitching at the Bet365 against Bristol City. Frankly the nails can't stand any more biting!

Rob: We seem to play worse against teams around us. I'm going for 2-1 to Wednesday. We'll then draw against Plymouth, beat Southampton and draw with Bristol City on the last day and stay up on goal difference.

Pete: It's in the bag. 3-1.

Jacob: 4-3 Stoke.

• Stoke City have failed to win any of their last five Championship away games against Sheffield Wednesday (D4 L1) since a 2-0 victory in November 2005.

• The Owls are aiming to complete a league double over the Potters for the first time since the 1952/53 season after recording a 1-0 away win in December.

• Steven Schumacher's side have won two of their last three second tier away matches in Yorkshire (L1), as many as they had in their previous 14 games in Yorkshire combined (W2 D7 L5).

• The Hillsborough Stadium outfit have lost just one of their last seven home league fixtures (W3 D3), losing 2-0 in a Yorkshire derby against Leeds United.

• Will Vaulks came off the bench to assist two goals for Sheffield Wednesday in their 2-2 draw with Norwich City in midweek – he only had two assists in his previous 51 Championship games combined.

Image source, Stoke City

Stoke City's U18's were beaten 1-0 by Leeds United in the U18's Premier League North on Wednesday afternoon.

The Whites went ahead just after half an hour through Devon Brockie who took one touch before rolling the ball into the bottom corner.

Potters forward Luke Enright hit the woodwork from range in the second half before seeing a point-blank strike saved by goalkeeper Rory Mahady.

Following defeat at Thorp Arch, Dave Hibbert's side now find themselves 11th in the table out of 13 teams, while their opponents are sixth.

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After Wednesday night's 3-0 loss at Swansea City, Stoke City fans are feeling less optimistic about their Championship survival.

Steven Schumacher's side go to third from bottom Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday with only three points separating the two teams.

Following the defeat in South Wales, this is what Stoke fans posted on X (formerly Twitter):

Stavross - Awful performance from all the Stoke players, ref was terrible, poor team set up. Now we are right back in it. Saturday is huge.

Michael - This is about pure desire to win. Swansea had it, Stoke didn’t. End of.

Ade - Let's hope we put in a better performance this weekend. That last night wasn't the "Cup final" performance that was promised. More like a Sunday morning kickabout after a night on the ale.

Andy - You haven’t learned from your mistakes all season. No pride, no passion, no self-belief whatsoever, a shambles of a team. You should all hang your heads in shame.

Katie - Hate to say it but Schuey got it all wrong this time. Poor starting line-up, poor subs and they just seemed scared. Why isn't Baker starting, he's the best holding midfielder we've got?! Terrible game. Terrible performance.

Do you agree and what are your thoughts on Stoke City's survival chances?

Let us know your thoughts here.

Stoke City travel to Hillsborough on Saturday to play Sheffield Wednesday as they aim to take all three points at the home of their relegation-battling rivals.

The Potters lost 3-0 to Swansea City in their last game, but can they turn their form back around with a win this weekend to lift them further away from the drop zone?

Get involved by sending us your score predictions and thoughts ahead of the match using the online form below.

Have your say here!

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Stoke City have proposed plans to create a new footpath for away fans at the Bet365 Stadium ahead of the 2024/25 season.

The Potters are moving visiting supporters to the south-east corner from next term onwards and have requested planning permission to make a walkway between the away coach car park and the current path from Stanley Matthews Way.

The club are also wanting to build a two-metre high fence to keep both sets of fans segregated, alongside installing four CCTV columns.

A separate application has been submitted to the council to extend the size of the players' car park which, if approved, should create 20 more spaces.

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Stoke City goalkeeper Daniel Iversen is on loan with the club until the end of the season, but he's already made it clear that he wants to seal a permanent exit from Leicester City.

We recently asked whether you would like to sign the 26-year-old for good in the summer, and here are some of the responses that we received:

Steve: Whatever happened to our commanding goalkeepers? Banks and Begovic took charge of their six-yard boxes. They shouted out orders. We, as fans, felt confident that our defence was sound. We need someone of that calibre once more.

Andrew: I would like Iversen to stay at Stoke and become the number one. Another great Dane between the sticks.

Gary: Sign the guy up, he is a good keeper.

This is what some Foxes fans had to say:

John: Leicester fan here. I really like Iversen but he has no chance of making the Leicester side while Maresca is there. He wants footballing goalkeepers and Daniel simply does not fit the bill. His wages may be a problem for some Championship clubs like Stoke. Also, Leicester are keen to sell and not give away players due to their financial predicament.

Reuben: He's a good keeper, but we've got Hermansen and Jakub. Iversen is too good to be wasted as a third choice keeper, so sadly, he'll be going.

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The Potters were beaten 3-0 by Swansea City in the Championship on Wednesday, with goals coming from Liam Cullen, Matt Grimes and Joshua Key in South Wales.

Speaking to BBC Radio Stoke's Sohail Sahi during his post-match interview, Steven Schumacher reflected on what was a disappointing display from his team:

"It was a bad night. We didn't play well, can't hide behind that fact. We didn't win enough little battles, enough duels. Swansea were stronger than us in that area of the pitch and they also passed the ball better.

"I don't think we created enough. We weren't accurate with our passing and that's down to Swansea as well being as aggressive as they were without the ball.

"It wasn't a good night, but that can happen and we have to see that as a blip in our performance. Of late, performances have been good, so understand what we haven't done well, but not get carried away either."

You can listen to the full interview with the head coach here.

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Ahead of Wednesday night's game vs Swansea City, BBC Radio Stoke's Lucas Yeomans has been speaking to opposition fan and co-host of 'The JackCast, external' Steven Carroll to discuss which of his team's players could pose the biggest threat in South Wales.

"Probably Ronald, our Brazilian right winger. He came in January, brought some much-needed pace to the side.

"Up front, we've struggled for goals all season so I don't know who's going to get the nod there. Jerry Yates played the other day but he was quite poor.

"The other threat for us has mainly been Jamie Paterson, but he hasn't been so good the last few weeks so Ronald is the one to look for."

When asked for his score prediction, he added:

"Our record against Stoke isn't very good. I remember we did have a double during lockdown which says it all. Usually we don't tend to fend too well against Stoke so I'm going to sit on the fence. 1-1."

• None of the last nine Championship meetings between Swansea City and Stoke City at the Swansea.com Stadium have ended level, since a 3-3 draw in 2013 (4 Swansea wins, 5 Stoke wins).

• The Potters are unbeaten in their previous five league games against the Swans, with their three victories in that time all seeing them score exactly three times (D2).

• Since Luke Williams’ first Championship home game in January, no side has lost more matches on their own turf in the competition than tonight's hosts (P7 W2 L5).

• After winning just two of their opening seven away league fixtures under Steven Schumacher (D1 L4), the red and whites have won each of their last two such games, and could win three in a row for the first time since December 2005 (run of four).

• Four of Stoke’s last eight goals away from home in the Championship have been from set pieces (2x free kick, 1x direct free kick, 1x corner).

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Here are the Opta stats ahead of tonight's Championship match between Swansea City and Stoke City.

• None of the last nine league meetings between Swansea City and Stoke City at the Swansea.com Stadium have ended level, since a 3-3 draw in 2013 (4 Swansea wins, 5 Stoke wins).

• Stoke City are unbeaten in their last five league games against Swansea City, with their three wins in that time all seeing them score exactly three times (D2).

• Since Luke Williams’ first home league game in charge of Swansea in January, no Championship side has lost more games on home soil in the competition than the Swans (P7 W2 L5).

• After winning just two of their first seven away league games under Steven Schumacher (D1 L4), Stoke have won each of their last two such games, and could win three in a row for the first time since December 2005 (run of four).

• Four of Stoke’s last eight goals away from home in the league have been from set pieces (2x free kick, 1x direct free kick, 1x corner), one more than their first 15 such goals of the Championship season (3x corner).

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Stoke City forward Million Manhoef scored his first goal for the club last weekend in the 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion.

Speaking to BBC Radio Stoke ahead of Wednesday's trip to Swansea City, Steven Schumacher was full of praise for the 22-year-old:

"We expected him to take time to settle in, but since he's got here, he's been really positive. He's shown what he can do, his ability that he's got, and getting a goal like he got on Saturday will only do his confidence the world of good.

"We needed that type of player who can run towards the goal, take people on, get shots away and create for the team, so I'm not overly surprised that he's starting to do that now.

"Like all players though, he'll thrive off confidence. He thrives off belief and a run of games. Getting up to the speed and the intensity of the Championship is going to be key for him.

"Next season, I think we'll see an even better Million because he'll have had a whole pre-season with us. He'll be a bit more settled and he'll know what the Championship looks like."

Image source, Stoke City

The Potters recently named Jonathan Walters as their new permanent Sporting Director after impressing in his role as Interim Technical Director.

Speaking to BBC Radio Stoke, David Cowlishaw from 'The Wizards Of Drivel' podcast shared his thoughts on the appointment made by the Coates family:

"I'm all for it. It's just what the club needs in terms of bringing that good vibe and continuing the good vibe of the last three or four weeks through until the end of the season.

"I'm very interested that there's a slight change in title from ‘technical’ to ‘sporting’ director.

"It's going to be interesting to see what happens this summer in terms of how much he's involved in transfers or what his specific scope is, but he's a club legend for a reason. I'm fully behind him."

You can find out more about the podcast here, external.

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Stoke City forward Ryan Mmaee has been ruled out for the rest of the season.

Head coach Steven Schumacher told BBC Radio Stoke that the 26-year-old has suffered a hamstring injury:

"It's a disappointment because I was pleased for Ryan, obviously it hasn't been easy for either of us or for him since we came in in December."

Mmaee was banished to train on his own after a falling out with the Stoke boss in February, however Schumacher says the striker has worked hard to put things right:

"He got himself back involved in the squad and back in the team and looked sharp and unfortunately he's picked up a niggle and it's going to rule him out. So that's a bit of a blow."

Mmaee joined Stoke in the summer of 2023 and has scored 4 goals in 27 appearances.

How much of a miss will Ryan Mmaee be? Let us know your thoughts here.

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Stoke City's on loan goalkeeper Daniel Iversen says he doesn't know where his future lies beyond this season.

The Danish stopper, who moved across from Leicester City in January, has made 14 appearances for Steven Schumacher's side.

Speaking to BBC Radio Stoke, Iversen said he'd asked Leicester if he could leave the club last summer:

"I thought I should go [in the summer] and that's not happened from the Leicester side, I don't know why, I was disappointed.

"I tried to get a loan and I got a no, tried to get sold and got a no, so it was a bit frustrating from my side."

Although his future is unknown, the 26-year-old who has started the last eight games for Stoke says his priority is keeping the club in the Championship:

"In the summer I will try to leave again and see if something happens, but I don't know where it's going to be. My focus is just to play here and help the team survive"

Would you like to keep Daniel Iversen next season? Let us know your thoughts here.

Image source, BBC Radio Stoke

Following Stoke City's 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion, Steven Schumacher's side next return to action with a trip to Swansea City on Wednesday.

Lucas Yeomans is back with Praise and Grumble tonight on BBC Radio Stoke at 18:00 GMT, where you can have your say on the relegation battle and the appointment of Jonathan Walters as the club's permanent Sporting Director.

Call the show to give your thoughts on 0800 121 8080 or listen to it online shortly after broadcast here.

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Stoke City's U21s are back in action on Monday as they host Arsenal in the Premier League 2, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 GMT at the Bet365 Stadium.

The Potters beat Derby County 2-1 in their last game and will now be looking to secure another three points against the Gunners.

Ryan Shawcross' side are 17th in the table while their opponents are fourth, though a win this evening could lift them six places higher.