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Stoke City vs. Huddersfield: A Must Win Match for The Potters

By Jeff Brantley

HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND - AUGUST 13: Tino Anjorin of Huddersfield Town clashes with Ben Wilmot of Stoke City to win a high bouncing ball during the Sky Bet Championship match between Huddersfield Town and Stoke City at The John Smith's Stadium on August 13, 2022 in Huddersfield, England. (Photo by John Early/Getty Images)
HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND - AUGUST 13: Tino Anjorin of Huddersfield Town clashes with Ben Wilmot of Stoke City to win a high bouncing ball during the Sky Bet Championship match between Huddersfield Town and Stoke City at The John Smith's Stadium on August 13, 2022 in Huddersfield, England. (Photo by John Early/Getty Images) /
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With how Stoke City have performed so far this season, they’ve made every match into a must win situation in the second half of the season — But the phrasing of “must win match” rings especially true going into Wednesday’s game against Huddersfield for The Potters.

After a grabbing just a point in a 0-0 draw against Hull City this past Saturday, Stoke City still currently sit just five points above the relegation zone at 19th on the table with 34 points. If that wasn’t a big enough reason already for why Wednesday’s match is a must win game, than it has to be because of who Stoke City’s opponent is midweek.

Huddersfield walk into Bet365 Stadium on Wednesday sitting at 23rd on the table with 28 points. Not only does that mean that Stoke City are playing a side that has been worse than them on the table, but it also means potential relegation position could be up for grabs.

Stoke City vs. Huddersfield Prediction:

Even after discussing it above, it can’t be stated enough that this is a match that Stoke City have to walk away with all three points from. A loss on Wednesday would be disastrous, as it would move The Potters just three points away from Huddersfield in the relegation zone.

Plus, a loss on Wednesday could also mean a wide variety of outcomes for the teams below Stoke City on the table. A loss Wednesday could mean that a Rotherham win would see them leapfrog Stoke City this week on the table. A loss on Wednesday could also mean that Cardiff City or Wigan Athletic move into within a point of the Potters if either or both clubs win.

Bottomline is, it’s a must win match for Stoke City. Even a draw for The Potters might not help the club in the long run avoid relegation. So the best remedy for Wednesday’s match is for Stoke City to walk away with a win.

And manager Alex Neil/the players definitely know that. The club has to be firmly aware that anything but a stellar performance could mean everyone’s position on the team in the long run. So with that, we’ll say that Stoke City push hard and fight like there’s not tomorrow on Wednesday.

Final prediction: Stoke City win and grab a clean sheet, 3-0.