Stoke City's Dire Position Raises Alarming Relegation Concerns

Stoke City’s current position in the EFL Championship is deeply concerning, as the team finds itself teetering on the edge of the relegation zone.

After 26 matches, Stoke has only managed 27 points, with a record of 6 wins, 9 draws, and 11 losses. This poor return underscores the difficult phase the team is enduring.

This season has been marked by instability, with three different managers already taking the helm. Steve Schumacher started the campaign but was sacked early on due to poor performances.

Narcis Pelach followed, overseeing an equally underwhelming period. Now, Mark Robins has taken charge, debuting with a disappointing 0-0 draw against bottom-ranked Plymouth Argyle—a game Stoke City was expected to win.

READ MORE: Stoke City 0-0 Plymouth Argyle: Bitter debut for Mark Robins

Too Close to the Drop

Currently in 19th place, Stoke City is only 4 points ahead of 22nd-placed Hull City, the first team in the relegation zone. With Hull sitting on 23 points after the same number of matches, the margin for error is alarmingly thin. Stoke’s recent form only amplifies these concerns, with just one win, four draws, and five losses in their last ten league outings.

This lackluster performance is particularly frustrating given the club’s investment in new signings this season. Despite the additions, the squad has failed to gel, with players appearing demoralized and disconnected on the pitch.

Preparing for the FA Cup

As Stoke City faces mounting pressure in the league, the team must now shift its focus to the FA Cup. They are set to face Sunderland on January 11, a match that could provide a much-needed boost in morale. However, unless significant improvements are made, both in cohesion and results, Stoke’s fight to avoid relegation will remain an uphill battle.

Fans are hoping Mark Robins can quickly implement changes to stabilize the team and steer them away from the looming threat of dropping out of the Championship.