Swansea City and Stoke City square off in South Wales on Saturday afternoon occupying spots in mid-table of the Championship standings.
While Swansea have just seen an unbeaten run come to an end, Stoke have recorded one of the standout victories in the division during 2024-25.
Match preview
© Imago
With Swansea sitting in 12th place in the table, opinion is divided over whether Luke Williams is the right man to spearhead a promotion push.
Nevertheless, the head coach is equally gaining more respect in the role with the Welsh outfit possessing one of the best defensive records in the Championship.
Just six goals have been conceded in eight games, while their only two losses in seven outings have been by 1-0 scorelines at West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield United.
Although there is no doubt that Swansea must improve in the final third, Williams will be more focused on securing points by any means necessary.
In Championship encounters, Swansea are unbeaten on home territory this campaign, accumulating eight points from a possible 12.
Many Stoke fans have been left annoyed by the departure of Steven Schumacher, with that opinion only strengthened through back-to-back defeats after his exit.
The Potters lost to Hull City and Middlesbrough, leaving Narcis Pelach with much to ponder, but Wednesday's incredible win over Portsmouth has set the ball rolling for the Spaniard.
As many as five goals were scored in 11 minutes either side of half time, Tom Cannon getting his name on the scoresheet on four occasions in a 6-1 victory.
Few people at the bet365 Stadium will be getting carried just yet, but Stoke are suddenly in a position where they can catapult themselves into the top half of the table if they can become the first second-tier side to beat Swansea on their travels this campaign.
Team News
© Imago
Williams is likely to freshen up his Swansea side, including restoring Zan Vipotnik down the middle of the attack.
Joe Allen is yet to make a start all season, but the veteran may be handed a chance in midfield ahead of linking up with the Wales squad.
Goncalo Franco is also an option and could get the nod ahead of the 34-year-old, although the rest of the team may stay the same.
Barring any fitness issues, Pelach may be prepared to select the same Stoke XI for this contest.
That is dependent on whether Sam Gallagher will be risked from the start for the second time in three days, with Jordan Thompson an alternative if Pelach wishes to err on the side of caution.
Swansea City possible starting lineup:
Vigouroux; Key, Cabango, Darling, Tymon; Franco, Grimes; Ronald, Cooper, Eom; Vipotnik
Stoke City possible starting lineup:
Johansson; Wilmot, Rose, Gibson, Stevens; Moran, Burger; Koumas, Gallagher, Bae; Cannon
We say: Swansea City 1-2 Stoke City
Backing up a six-goal showing in midweek is likely to be difficult for Stoke, particularly with Pelach still attempting to prove himself. Nevertheless, the superior firepower of the visitors could see them edge this contest by the odd goal in three.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
