Stoke are looking to put the Derby game behind them pretty quickly. Stoke never really looked like winning that game and were all over the place at times.

Stoke’s 1 point from the last 6 available has dropped the club out of the play offs into 8th place, Stoke however have 2 & 3 games in hand on the teams above,but find themselves 5 points away from that last Play off spot.

How have we faired in previous meetings.

Mondays fixture will be the 109th meeting between the two sides

Stoke wins 36

Draws 24

Derby wins 48

The last meeting 

The last meeting was at the end of September at Deepdale. Stoke started really well in the game taking the lead in the 6th minute through Nick Powell. Stoke continued to control and create the more chances throughout the game but it was Preston that got the next goal just before half time. 

That goal would prove to be the last as the game ended 1-1.

The last game at the bet365 Stadium it also ended in a draw. First half Stoke dominated but couldn’t find a goal, second half was roll reversal as Preston came out a totally different side and controlled most of the ply and created all the chances. Stoke’s hopes of snatching a win from nowhere were ended when Harry Souttar was sent off late one.

Form (last 4 games)

Stoke

Stoke 0-1 Blackburn

QPR 0-2 Stoke

Stoke 0-0 Middlesbrough 

Stoke 1-2 Derby

Preston

Middlesbrough 1-2 Preston

Preston 1-1 Fulham

Blackburn 1-0 Preston

Preston 2-1 Barnsley 

Preston have been up and down this season leaving them 16th in the league but only 7 points behind the Potters. North End have won 3 of their last 7 fixtures with some notable wins over Bournemouth & Coventry.

Who’s the threat

Benjamin Whiteman has been Preston’s best player so far chipping in with 4 goals & 2 assists from Midfield. Daniel Johnson always seems to up his game against Stoke so no doubt he will again especially after a goal and MoTM performance in his last appearance v Barnsley

How could Stoke set up for the game.

O’Neill has hinted changing formation as he try’s to find some form after the loss of Harry Souttar who is such an important part of playing 3 at the back.

Could we see 4-3-3 as we finished the game versus Derby with.

What is your score Prediction?