'A huge blow' – Sheffield Wednesday vs Stoke City prediction: The72
12/19/2024 03:07 AM
Sheffield Wednesday and Stoke City meet in the Championship this weekend with both sides looking to claim all three points.
Sheffield Wednesday come into this weekend’s clash with Stoke City looking to continue their push for a place in the play-offs after some strong form of late.
The Owls bounced back from defeat to Blackburn Rovers with a 3-1 away win against Oxford United. The triumph leaves the Steel City outfit 9th in the Championship table and ultimately cost Des Buckingham his job.
However, the big story coming into the game is the persisting links between manager Danny Rohl and the newly-vacant post at Premier League side Southampton.
Stoke City meanwhile continue to struggle. They’ve been unable to find form under Narcis Pelach and while there is patience over the Spaniard after his oddly-timed appointment, current form is concerning.
The Potters arrested a run of three consecutive defeats with a draw against Cardiff City last time out but they are now seven without a win in the league.
As a result, they’re 17th in the table and five points above the drop.
Here, a handful of our writers make their predictions for the game…
James Ray
“Sheffield Wednesday need to remain focused on the task at hand despite the ongoing speculation over Rohl. There’s no doubt losing him would be a huge blow, but they need to keep their heads screwed on and their eyes on this Stoke City clash.
“It’s another winnable game for the Owls with the Potters yet to find their feet under Pelach and people are starting to question whether moving Schumacher on for the Spaniard was really the right call.
“Another defeat here would further bring that to the spotlight, and I can see that happening.
“I’ll be backing Wednesday to win this one 2-1.”
Prediction: Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 Stoke City
Harry Mail
“Rohl has done an impressive job with Sheffield Wednesday since taking over and his side will be quietly assessing their chances of a push for the play-offs if they can keep their consistency levels up.
“It has been another disappointing season for Stoke City and pressure could start to mount on Pelach already if they are to lose at Hillsborough. Their decision to sack Steven Schumacher raised eyebrows earlier in this campaign.
“I can see this one being a close game in the end but I fancy the hosts to sneak a win.”
Prediction: Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 Stoke City
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