Well within a week of Alex Neil’s Sunderland leaving the bet365 stadium with all three points, it seems the Potters went unannounced to the Stadium of Light and stole Alex Neil as way of compensation.

Michael O’Neill’s departure was a shock as in its timing but not for any other reason. The pressure had been building since last December and only so many excuses and calls for patience can be heard without asking how much more can the fans and owners take.

Dean Holden will take interim charge of the Potters at Ewood park, where Stoke take on one of the strongest teams in the league hoping to get their first away win of the season

How have we faired in previous meetings.

Todays fixture will be the 100th meeting between the two sides

Stoke wins 38

Draws 17

Blackburn wins 44

The last meeting 

The last meeting between the sides was back in April at Ewood park. Stoke started the game fast and had taken the lead within 4 minutes when on loan striker Josh Maja set up Jacob Brown with a chance that he took with ease. Having taken the lead Stoke dominated the possession in the first half and went into the break deservedly in the lead.  Blackburn made a change at half time, putting Stoke to the sword in the second half, a combination of good defending and a few good saves by Jack Bonham meant Stoke kept a clean sheet and walked away with the three points.

Who’s the threat

Blackburn for now still have Stoke born striker Ben Brereton-Diaz on their books, he’s always caused us troubles so has Bradley Dack. Sam Gallagher is another to watch out for as he seems to have a good game versus Stoke

Form

Stoke

Stoke 2-0 Blackpool

Morecambe (5)0-0(3) Stoke (cup)

Huddersfield 3-1 Stoke

Stoke 2-2 Middlesbrough 

Stoke 0-1 Sunderland

Blackburn

Blackburn 4-0 Hartlepool (cup)

Blackburn 2-1 WBA

Reading 3-0 Blackburn

Sheffield United 3-0 Blackburn

Bradford 1-2 Blackburn (cup)

Blackburn haven’t dropped a point at home this season, though Stoke haven’t picked a point up whilst conceding 5 goals.

How could Stoke set up for the game.

With O’Neill’s departure it does throw a few questions of what will Dean Holden do, go with what O’Neill had been doing as he’s only had one training session to do anything different or just go hell for leather and try and show what he’s capable of doing. We have no players returning from the injury table with one addition that Holden didn’t slide to his name in his press conference saying he’d have a late fitness test

What is your score Prediction?