Stoke City Prepares for a Must-Win Clash Against Sunderland

Stoke City is gearing up for one of their most important matches of the season as they visit Sunderland for the 19th round of the EFL Championship.

Currently sitting mid-table, Stoke needs to secure vital points to keep pace with the league’s top teams. Sunderland, in fourth place, is also seeking a turnaround, having gone five matches without a win, with four draws and one loss.

For Stoke City, head coach Narcís Pelach faces the challenge of setting up a tactical approach that maximizes his team’s strengths.

With Sunderland experiencing an inconsistent run, this game presents a golden opportunity for Stoke to capitalize on their opponent’s vulnerabilities and potentially climb closer to the playoff positions.

READ MORE: Stoke City Faces a Grueling December Schedule to Close Out 2024

Recent Form and Head-to-Head History

Both teams come into this match in less-than-ideal form:

• Sunderland: One loss and four consecutive draws in their last five matches.
• Stoke City: One win, three draws, and one loss in their last five outings.

When looking at their head-to-head history, Stoke City holds a slight advantage. In their last five meetings, Stoke has won three and lost two.

Most of these clashes have occurred in the EFL Championship, with their most distant encounter taking place in the Premier League in 2017. Both teams, once top-flight contenders, now find themselves battling in the second tier of English football, making this matchup even more compelling.

A Season-Defining Month

This fixture also sets the stage for a busy period, as Stoke will face Sunderland again in January for the FA Cup. The outcome of this December clash will likely shape the tone for both teams moving forward.

For Stoke City, securing a win is essential. A strong performance could instill confidence as they prepare for the remainder of their challenging December schedule. Fans will be eager to see their team rise to the occasion and leave Sunderland with all three points.