Stoke City’s Need for Victory in the EFL Championship

Currently, Stoke City finds itself in a difficult situation, with a major team overhaul in the works. This change started with the dismissal of Steve Schumacher, who was not delivering positive results.

Now, with the arrival of Narcis Pelach, expectations for this season have dropped significantly. Pelach’s debut against Hull City ended in a painful defeat, exposing the fact that Stoke City lacks a cohesive and competitive squad at the moment.

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Important Matches Ahead for Stoke City

Stoke City is experiencing a negative start to the season, managing only two wins in six games in the EFL Championship. Their victories, such as the 1-0 win over Coventry City in the first match and the 1-0 win against Plymouth Argyle, have been narrow.

Aside from those, Stoke has suffered multiple defeats, which paints a concerning picture. The standout player so far has been Swedish goalkeeper Viktor Johansson, whose excellent saves have been crucial in preventing heavier losses.

Additionally, players like Million Manhoef and Bae Jun-ho, despite their undeniable talent, have yet to hit their stride this season. It’s essential for these key players to step up if Stoke City hopes to challenge for promotion to the Premier League.

Now, under Narcis Pelach, the club hopes for more positive results and aims to leave a good impression this season. However, this will require hard work and effort. Unfortunately, Pelach's debut match against Hull City resulted in a 1-3 home loss,

highlighting the tough road ahead. Stoke City will need to bring the same level of performance from the Carabao Cup into the EFL Championship to turn their season around.

Though the road is tough, the season has only just begun, leaving room for improvement. With a week of rest, Stoke City will return to action on September 28, facing a tough opponent in Middlesbrough, a team they’ve already encountered earlier this season.