Stoke City vs Preston: Predictions, Betting odds, Lineups, Preview

Explore Coral's detailed preview for Stoke City vs Preston in the Championship. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 15:00 GMT match.

• Fixture: Stoke City vs Preston
• Date: Friday, 26 December 2025
• Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
• Venue: Bet365 Stadium

Stoke City will be looking to bounce back from their recent loss against Watford. With a predicted lineup featuring the likes of Róbert Boženík up front and Steven N'Zonzi in midfield, they have the potential to create scoring opportunities. However, their recent form, with three losses in their last five games, might affect their confidence going into this match.

Preston, on the other hand, have been more consistent, drawing three of their last five games and winning two. Their predicted 3-5-2 formation, with Michael Smith and Lewis Dobbin leading the attack, could pose a threat to Stoke's defense. Given their recent results and the head-to-head record, Preston might have the edge in this encounter.

Stoke City's recent form has been inconsistent, with only one win in their last five games. Their most recent result was a 0-1 loss away to Watford, which might have dented their confidence. However, their 2-1 home victory over Swansea shows they are capable of performing well when they get it right. This mixed form could make it challenging for them to approach the upcoming match with full momentum.

Recent Championship Results:

• Loss: 0-1 vs Watford (A)

• Win: 2-1 vs Swansea (H)

• Loss: 0-1 vs Ipswich (A)

• Loss: 0-4 vs Sheffield Utd (A)

• Loss: 1-2 vs Hull City (H)

Preston have shown more consistency in their recent performances, drawing three of their last five games and winning two. Their most recent result was a 1-1 draw against Norwich at home, which suggests they can hold their own against strong opposition. With two wins in their last five games, including a 3-2 victory against Sheffield Wednesday away, Preston seem to be in a better position to approach the upcoming match with confidence and momentum.

Recent Championship Results:

• Draw: 1-1 vs Norwich (H)
• Win: 2-1 vs Oxford United (A)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Coventry (H)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Wrexham (H)
• Win: 3-2 vs Sheffield Wednesday (A)

The head-to-head record between Stoke City and Preston shows a closely contested rivalry. In their most recent encounter on 05 Apr 2025, the teams drew 1-1. Stoke City have had mixed results in their last five meetings with Preston, winning once, drawing twice, and losing twice. This suggests that the upcoming match could be another tight affair.

Recent Championship Results

• Preston 1-1 Stoke City (05 Apr 2025)
• Stoke City 0-0 Preston (26 Nov 2024)
• Preston 1-2 Stoke City (09 Mar 2024)
• Stoke City 0-2 Preston (02 Sep 2023)
• Stoke City 0-1 Preston (02 Jan 2023)

• Lewis Baker (Ankle) – Out

• Junior Tchamadeu (International duty) - Out

• Jamal Lewis (Hamstring) – Out

• Lewis Gibson (Muscle) – Out

• Milutin Osmajic (Disciplinary) - Out

• Robbie Brady (Calf) – Out

• Predicted lineup: Johansson (GK), Talovierov (DF), Phillips (DF), Wilmot (DF), Cresswell (DF), Lawal (MF), N'Zonzi (MF), Manhoef (MF), Bae (MF), Thomas (MF), Boženík (AT)

Stoke City's predicted 4-2-3-1 formation will likely see Róbert Boženík leading the attack, supported by a creative midfield trio of Million Manhoef, Jun-Ho Bae, and Sorba Thomas. With Steven N'Zonzi anchoring the midfield, Stoke will aim to control the game's tempo and create scoring opportunities through their attacking players.

• Predicted lineup: Iversen (GK), Offiah (DF), Storey (DF), Hughes (DF), Valentín (MF), Devine (MF), Whiteman (MF), Armstrong (MF), Small (MF), Smith (AT), Dobbin (AT)

Preston's predicted 3-5-2 formation will see Michael Smith and Lewis Dobbin leading the line, with the midfield five providing both defensive solidity and attacking support. With players like Harrison Armstrong and Pol Valentín in midfield, Preston will look to exploit the flanks and create chances for their forwards.

• Boženík vs Hughes: Róbert Boženík's physical presence and goal-scoring ability will be tested against Andrew Hughes' defensive experience.

• Manhoef vs Small: Thierry Small's energy will challenge Million Manhoef's creativity and dribbling skills.

• N'Zonzi (Stoke City): Steven N'Zonzi's ability to control the midfield and distribute the ball effectively will be crucial for Stoke City's performance.

• Armstrong (Preston): Harrison Armstrong's energy and versatility in midfield will be key for Preston's attacking and defensive transitions.

Stoke City vs Preston at 15:00 GMT on Friday, 26 December 2025, will be broadcast live for viewers in the UK on Sky Sports+.

Coral is predicting that the score will be Stoke City 1-2 Preston.

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