Stoke City is gearing up for a highly anticipated FA Cup third-round match against Sunderland in January 2025. The clash promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams boasting over a century of history in English football’s oldest tournament.
Stoke City, a team deeply rooted in FA Cup tradition, will look to build on their strong historical performances, while Sunderland aims to make their own mark.
This match comes with added significance as both teams are also competing for promotion to the Premier League through the EFL Championship. Their rivalry is set to intensify further as they face each other in a league fixture on December 7, 2024, just weeks before their FA Cup showdown.
READ MORE: Stoke City Gears Up for the FA Cup 2025
Recent Head-to-Head Encounters
The history between Stoke City and Sunderland reveals a fascinating rivalry. In their last five meetings, Stoke City has emerged victorious three times, while Sunderland has secured two wins, including a commanding 3-1 victory on January 27, 2024, during the previous EFL Championship season. This track record suggests a competitive balance, with Stoke City holding a slight edge in recent years.
While Sunderland currently sits in fourth place in the Championship table, Stoke City finds itself in 14th, highlighting the challenge the Potters face. Both teams, however, enter their December league matchup in similar form
Contrasting Form and High Stakes
Heading into their December 7 EFL Championship clash, both Stoke City and Sunderland are experiencing inconsistent form. Stoke City has managed only one win in their last five matches, accompanied by three draws and one loss.
The Potters will travel to the Stadium of Light in the @EmiratesFACup’s Third Round 🏆 pic.twitter.com/3VfYe2kHIw
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) December 2, 2024
Sunderland, on the other hand, has failed to secure a victory in their last five games, recording four draws and one defeat. Despite this, Sunderland's fourth-place standing reflects a more consistent campaign compared to Stoke City's mid-table position at 14th.
The December meeting will serve as a crucial test for both teams, not just for league momentum but also as a psychological edge ahead of their FA Cup battle. For Stoke City, improving their league form could signal their readiness to stage a deep FA Cup run, while Sunderland will aim to affirm their dominance and build confidence. With both teams striving for Premier League promotion, this dual competition adds another layer of intensity to an already compelling rivalry.