Stoke are looking to make it 6 wins on the bounce at home against a Barnsley side struggling to find form after losing manager Valérien Ismaël to WBA in the summer.

It was always a tough ask for Barnsley, to replicate the form the produced at the end of last season which got them into the play offs. Stoke on the other hand have started better than many a Stoke fan could of hoped and still have room for improvement as players return from injury.

How have we faired in previous meetings.

Wednesdays fixture will be the 63rd meeting between the two sides

Stoke wins 22

Draws 17

Barnsley wins 23

The last meeting

The latest meeting was back in February when Stoke were beaten 2-0 at Oakwell with on loan striker Daryl Dike securing the win with a last minute goal.

The last meeting at the bet365 Stadium ended 2-2. Tyrese Campbell scored alongside Tommy Smith to get the potters on level terms. Nathan Collins was wrongly sent off in the game for an alleged off the ball elbow. This red card was overturned but the card affected Stoke’s ability to get the win.

Form (last 4 games)

Stoke

Stoke 1-0 Forest

Stoke 2-0 Doncaster (cup)

Fulham 3-0 Stoke

Stoke 2-1 Huddersfield 

Barnsley

Barnsley 0-1 Luton

QPR 2-2 Barnsley 

Barnsley 1-1 Birmingham 

Bournemouth 3-0 Barnsley 

Barnsley last game against was a one sided affair in which The Tykes never had a shot on target, saying that they barely got into Bournemouth’s half. They will be hoping for a reaction to that display and Stoke need to be aware.

Who’s the threat

Barnsley have one of if not the youngest squad in the league and have no players over 30. It’s hard to say who’s a threat as they just haven’t been this season with their goalkeeper Bradley Collins having the highest match rating so far for them.

How could Stoke set up for the game.

Sam Clucas is a doubt for the game which could mean Joe Allen regaining his starting spot in his place. On loan striker Abdullah Sima could make the bench as Steven Fletcher is a doubt also. The rest of the side id expect the same as the side that started versus Huddersfield.

What is your score Prediction?