It just doesn’t get any easier for under fire Micheal O’Neill. Stoke have now not won in 9 games and the pressure on his job is further ramped up by the welcoming of Millwall and ex Stoke manager Gary Rowett.

Rowett was rightly released of his duties for basically the same failing as O’Neill is showing lately. Single minded stubbornness blighted Rowett especially over a certain Spanish Prince, I hope O’Neill doesn’t fall foul of the same thing and change thing up drastically between now and the end of the season, that’s if he’s still in control till then.

Stoke’s run of 9 games without a win isn’t the worst since we were relegated from the Premier league, we did manage to get to 11 games while under the reins of Saturdays manager Gary Rowett.

Gary Rowett made some big mistakes as Stoke manager, non more than turning down the chance to sign Dwight Gayle as he felt Benik Afobe was the better target for the club, only to play Afobe in a system that didn’t suit his style. Benik now is on loan at Millwall under Rowett from Stoke & is on a decent run, thankfully rules dictate he can’t face his parent club. 

How have we faired in previous meetings.

Tomorrow’s fixture will be the 57th meeting between the two sides

Stoke wins 22

Draws 15

Millwall wins 19

The last meeting 

Stoke went to the New Den in late October & came away with nothing from their efforts. Stoke took the lead in the first half via Romain Sawyers, unfortunately just like many games this season Stoke could not hold on to a lead and ended up losing 2-1 despite creating the better chances in the game.

Form (last 4 games)

Stoke

Stoke 0-1 Blackpool 

Barnsley 0-1 Stoke

Peterborough 2-2 Stoke

Cardiff 2-1 Stoke

Millwall

Reading 0-1 Millwall

Blackburn 0-0 Millwall

Millwall 0-0 Middlesbrough 

Millwall 2-0 Huddersfield 

Millwall are unbeaten in 8 games winning 6 of them, that’s a far cry from the Potters no wins in 9.

Stoke have not beaten Millwall in the last 6 games & not won at the New Den since 2005

Who’s the threat

You should look no further than Jed Wallace when it comes to threats from the opposition, he’s already amassed 6 goals and 9 assists from midfield and has a knack of getting into the right place and the right time. Rowett May have to tweek his system due to Afobe’s ineligibility but I don’t think he’ll resort to changing from 3 at the back.

How could Stoke set up for the game.

Stoke have only 3 players unfit to play, Jaden Philogene-Bidace, Nick Powell and long term injury Harry Souttar. Abdullah Sima is fit but is very unlikely to feature due to the lack of game time he’s had.

What is your score Prediction?