Stoke City have been pulled back into the Championship relegation battle after consecutive losses to Leeds United and Sheffield United, now sitting only two points above the drop zone.
A high-stakes showdown looms at Pride Park.
Stoke City, reeling from back-to-back defeats and slipping dangerously close to the drop zone, now travel to face Derby County—one point behind them and equally desperate. This clash isn’t just another match; it’s a battle for survival in the Championship.
Last time they met, Stoke took the win with a late Ben Gibson header. But much has changed. The Potters haven’t scored in two matches and have conceded eight goals in that span. Derby, on the other hand, are riding a wave of momentum after two straight wins—and they’re playing at home, where over 30,000 fans will be roaring them on.
History doesn’t favor Stoke. They haven’t beaten Derby on their turf since 2007, and this visit could be their undoing.
Sky Sports pundit David Prutton senses trouble. Predicting a 1-0 win for Derby, he sees this as the game that could seal Stoke’s relegation fate—especially if Hull, Luton, and Preston all gain points this weekend.
It’s a tightrope walk for both managers. Mark Robins faces pressure to deliver, while John Eustace is pushing to replicate Rooney’s survival heroics from 2022.
If Derby strike early, expect nerves to rattle in Stoke’s camp—and for the Championship survival battle to erupt into full-blown chaos.
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