What Stoke side will we see enter the field of play against Huddersfield. Will it be the proactive high pressing organised side that played Fulham or the side that didn’t show up against Coventry.

Stoke optimise the saying blowing hot and cold, which this season the wind would be just above freezing based on the performance in the whole. 

Stoke can not lose against Huddersfield if the ever want to make the play offs those season. Stoke sit 6 points behind our opponents who sit in the last play off spot. Stoke do have a game in hand on them but games are running out and so are a few fans patience in certain players.

How have we faired in previous meetings.

Friday fixture will be the 80th meeting between the two sides

Stoke wins 31

Draws 26

Huddersfield wins 22

The last meeting 

Huddersfield visited the bet365 Stadium back in September and deserved a lot more out of the game than they got. Stoke somehow won 2-1 despite been outplayed for most of the second half. Huddersfield were winning 1-0 at half time in a tight first half. Stoke equalised early on in the second half through Brown. Huddersfield went all out to regain the lead only for them to score in the wrong net gifting Stoke something to hold onto. Stoke did defend well to keep Huddersfield out, taking all 3 points.

Form (last 4 games)

Stoke

Stoke 2-0 Orient(cup)

Hull 0-2 Stoke

Stoke 2-3 Fulham

Coventry 1-0 Stoke

Huddersfield 

Blackburn 0-0 Huddersfield 

Burnley 1-2 Huddersfield(cup)

Huddersfield 1-1 Swansea

Reading 3-4 Huddersfield 

Huddersfield haven’t lost in the last 9 games winning 5 of them.

Who’s the threat

Huddersfield’s top scorer is Daniel Ward but it’s midfielders Sorba Thomas and Harry Toffolo that stood out when we last played them.

How could Stoke set up for the game.

Ben Wilmot is back training along with Sam Surridge. The inclusion of Wilmot could take James Chester out of the firing line as he’s making too many mistakes and teams are targeting him due to this. Against Coventry we never had a shot on target so on that basis we should be looking at bringing Fletcher back into the fold to at least hold the ball up and allow Wright Phillips a chance to receive the ball higher up the pitch.

What is your score Prediction?