In this third preseason match for The Potters, we anticipate an exciting encounter between two teams with a long-standing familiarity. Stoke City enters this stage of the preseason in ideal form, thanks to the hard work of Steve Schumacher and Chris Cohen.
The team's strength has been evident in their recent preseason outings, where they faced Chester FC and won 3-0, followed by a 5-0 victory over Cork City. This time, they will face Crewe Alexandra on July 23, with expectations high for another impressive performance from Steve Schumacher's squad.
Recent Encounters and Historical Matches
The last meeting between these two teams was on July 20, 2021, in a friendly match where Stoke City emerged victorious with a 3-2 win in an exciting, goal-filled game. Going further back, in a friendly match on July 30, 2017, Crewe Alexandra defeated Stoke City 3-1. These friendlies add to a history that also includes competitive matches in the Championship.
In the Championship, notable matches include a 1-1 draw in 2003 and a 2-0 victory for Crewe Alexandra in 2004. These historical encounters set the stage for another competitive match as both teams continue their preseason preparations.
READ MORE: Remembering Bojan Krkic's Time at Stoke City
Stoke City's Preseason Progress
Stoke City has shown remarkable progress since the start of their preseason on July 1. The team has been working impeccably, integrating three new signings alongside the existing squad. The upcoming match against Crewe Alexandra is an opportunity for Schumacher to further refine his lineup ahead of the EFL Championship starting in August.
With two convincing victories already under their belt, Stoke City aims for a third consecutive preseason win. The game on July 23 will be a critical step in evaluating the team's readiness for the upcoming season and solidifying their strategies for the challenges ahead in all English competitions.
Expectations are high, and fans are eager to see if The Potters can continue their impressive preseason form against Crewe Alexandra.