Stoke City and Leeds United have a short but competitive history in the EFL Championship. Their first official meeting dates back to August 5, 2018, when Leeds secured a convincing 3-1 victory.
More recently, the two teams clashed on March 5, 2023, with Leeds edging out a tight 1-0 win in a highly competitive encounter.
In the last five meetings, Leeds has won three times, while Stoke claimed victory twice, giving the edge to Leeds in this relatively brief rivalry. Stoke City’s fans will hope their team can level the record in this upcoming match, especially on home turf.
READ MORE: Stoke City Faces a Tough Test Against Leeds United
A Season of Contrasting Fortunes
Leeds United enters the game as one of the strongest teams in the league, currently occupying second place with 45 points from 22 matches. Their consistency in both attack and defense is clear, with Leeds boasting the best goal difference (+26) in the Championship.
Stand up and be brave.
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) December 24, 2024
Pèlach previews Boxing Day bout with Leeds United.
In stark contrast, Stoke City finds itself in 19th place, just three spots above the relegation zone. With only 22 points this season, Stoke has struggled to find form, and their current eight-game winless streak (4 draws, 4 losses) is cause for concern.
A Must-Win for Stoke City
This match presents a massive challenge for Stoke City, but also an opportunity. Playing at home, they will look to capitalize on their familiarity with the bet365 Stadium and the support of their fans.
However, to secure a positive result, they’ll need to overcome their recent struggles, particularly in attack, and step up their defensive efforts against a Leeds side known for their attacking prowess.
Pressure Mounts on Narcís Pelach
For manager Narcís Pelach, this game could be pivotal. While he has shown moments of promise in his management, the lack of results has led to growing frustration among fans and questions about the future of his tenure. A strong performance against Leeds could help shift the narrative and provide a glimmer of hope heading into 2025.
This Boxing Day showdown is more than just another match—it’s a defining moment for Stoke City’s season. Can they rise to the occasion and pull off a much-needed upset against one of the league’s best teams? All eyes will be on the bet365 Stadium as Stoke City faces this uphill battle.