'A turning point' – Swansea City vs Stoke City prediction: The 72
10/03/2024 05:30 AM
Stoke City make the trip to Wales this weekend to face Swansea City after both had contrasting results in midweek.
Stoke City saw their new era under Narcis Pelach ignited on Wednesday night as they put Portsmouth to the sword in a 6-1 win at the Bet365 Stadium.
After two defeats in Pelach’s first two games, the early signs were not great for the Potters but that first win will be a huge relief for the Spaniard.
Summer signing Tom Cannon scored four goals against Pompey despite failing to score in his opening three games. Sam Gallagher and Andrew Moran also opened their Potters accounts.
Swansea City meanwhile were beaten 1-0 by high-flying Sheffield United. The result put an end to a three-game unbeaten streak with two wins coming in those ties.
Luke Williams’ side sit 12th in the Championship and are unbeaten at home so far this season. They’ll be hopeful of continuing that run here despite the huge midweek triumph for their upcoming opponents.
Here, a handful of our writers make their predictions for the game…
Charlie Hodgson
“This could be a huge moment in the season for Stoke City. They have got to build some momentum after an excellent result in midweek.
“Swansea City risk lingering around mid-table as things stand, but their home form is keeping them in touching distance off the play-offs and Williams will back his team against the Potters.
“It will be a real tactical battle between the two head coaches but Stoke do have more quality and Pelach will be desperate to keep the good times flowing.”
Prediction: Swansea City 1-2 Stoke City
James Ray
“Stoke City will be hoping that midweek thumping of Portsmouth can be a turning point in their season. They’ve underachieved for far too long and have to make inroads up the table now.
“A trip to Swansea City poses a tough test though and despite the big win, I’m not sure the visitors make it two-in-a-row here.
“Swansea are a good side and while Stoke were great in midweek, they came up against a Portsmouth side that put in an abysmal performance. As such, I’ll say this ends level, so while not a win, it is another decent result for Stoke.
Prediction: Swansea City 1-1 Stoke City
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