'A perilous position' – Stoke City vs Portsmouth prediction: The72

Yesterday at 05:11 AM

Stoke City host Portsmouth on Wednesday night as two of the leagues struggling sides face off under the floodlights.

Stoke City have had a strange start to the season. After narrowly avoiding relegation, the Potters won two of their first five games before opting to sack head coach Steven Schumacher.

Narcis Pelach was subsequently placed in charge at the Bet365 Stadium and since then, his side have lost both their games and now find themselves in 20th place.

The mood around the club is a negative one right now and while Pelach can’t be blamed for the two defeats in such a short space of time, a game against winless Portsmouth feels like a must-win for the Spaniard.

Portsmouth have had a poor start to life back in the Championship with just four points from seven games.

However, Pompey have had a very tough run of fixtures to begin their campaign, facing seven sides who will hope to be in the promotion picture when May comes around.

Regardless, both sides are desperate for a win and will see it as a good chance to get three points on the board.

Here, a handful of our writers make their predictions for the game…

Charlie Hodgson

“It is too early to write either side off, but whoever loses will come under pressure and a draw will not help either side.

“Pompey are desperate for that first win and Narcis Pelach needs his first triumph at Stoke City. The first goal in this one is massive. I think if the hosts get it, they could squeak out a valuable win but should Pompey get it, the atmosphere could turn dramatically, as we saw against Hull City.

“Stoke do have lots of quality in their side though and I think that will come through on Wednesday night.”

Prediction: Stoke City 2-1 Portsmouth

James Ray

“The call to part ways with Schumacher has certainly not paid off in the short-term but that’s not what Stoke City are looking at. Nevertheless, they could be at risk of putting themselves in a perilous position once again thanks to poor decision making if things don’t pay off with Pelach.

“While neither side have started well, the moods at these two clubs are contrasting.

“Portsmouth have put in some valiant performances against tough sides and just come up short. They’ve managed some good draws though and against more beatable opponents, I think John Mousinho’s side are going to find more joy.

“That could be the case here. I’ll say the visitors win 2-1 to further dampen Potters spirits.”

Prediction: Stoke City 1-2 Portsmouth

The post ‘A perilous position’ – Stoke City vs Portsmouth prediction: The72 appeared first on The72 - Football League News.