Stoke City's recent upturn in form faces a stern test against a familiar foe this weekend. The Potters host Sheffield United on Saturday looking to end a five-game losing streak against the Blades in the league.
Steven Schumacher's side have collected 10 points from a possible 12, a run that has lifted them to 12th in the Championship table. That sequence includes three wins and a draw from their last four outings, a stark contrast to the three victories they managed in the 23 games before it. Their most recent result was a 2-1 away win at Watford last Thursday, with goals from Jack McGlynn and Eric Bocat.
A persistent problem
Sheffield United, however, present a specific challenge. Stoke have lost each of their last five league meetings with United since a 3-1 win in October 2022. United arrive 15th in the table and are unbeaten in five away league games, the longest such run in the division.
Stoke will be without several key players, including defender Eric Bocat, who has four goal involvements this season. The full list of those currently sidelined includes Aaron Cresswell, Ato Ampah, Junior Tchamadeu, Svante Ingelsson and Bosun Lawal.
This 114th meeting between the clubs kicks off at 12:30 BST on Saturday.
