West Brom Albion vs Stoke City: A decisive duel for both teams' seasons

In the upcoming EFL Championship fixture, Stoke City, commonly known as The Potters, faces a daunting challenge as they travel to take on West Brom Albion. This match, part of the 27th round of the season, pits two teams with contrasting fortunes.

West Brom are currently in a solid seventh position, aiming to challenge for promotion, while Stoke City are languishing in 19th place, fighting to distance themselves from the relegation zone. This fixture promises to be a thrilling battle on January 18.

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Mark Robins' quest for a key win

For Stoke City's new head coach, Mark Robins, this match is a crucial opportunity to solidify his team's position in the league.

After a significant victory over Sunderland in the FA Cup, where Stoke triumphed 2-1 to advance to the next round, Robins is eager to carry that momentum into the league.

A win against a formidable opponent like West Brom could be the turning point for Stoke City's season, boosting their confidence and improving their standings.

Recent form and previous encounters

Both teams enter this match with similar recent records. West Brom has registered one win, two draws, and two losses in their last five games, while Stoke City has matched this form with identical results.

Their previous encounter in August ended in a narrow 2-1 victory for West Brom, a tightly contested match that highlighted the competitive nature of these two teams.

As the first clash of 2025 between these clubs, the stakes couldn't be higher. Stoke City is keen to avoid the looming threat of relegation, making every point crucial in their quest to climb the table. On the other hand, West Brom will aim to secure a win to maintain their push for the top positions.

With both teams showing resilience and determination in their recent matches, fans can expect an intense and closely fought game, where the outcome will be vital for the ambitions of both clubs.