Stoke City face a critical Championship match at home against Norwich City this week as they look to halt a dismal start to the season. The Potters sit 22nd in the table with just three points from four games, having scored four goals and conceded nine for a negative five goal difference.
Mark Robins's side is reeling from four consecutive defeats in all competitions. Their league form reads WLLL, and they are already seven points behind early leaders Swansea City. This home fixture represents a vital opportunity to stop the slide before a tough midweek game against third-placed Charlton on September 5th, which you can see on our fixtures page.
What is Stoke City's current form?
The team's struggles are stark. They took zero points from their first three league games and were thrashed 4-1 away at Wolverhampton Wanderers. A defeat to Hull City also knocked them out of the EFL Cup. Last season's 17th-place finish with 55 points now feels like a distant memory given the current crisis.
Manager Mark Robins did not hold back after the latest loss. "We're authors of our own downfall for the second week running," he told reporters. He expanded on the defensive woes, stating, "Seven goals in two games away from home. We've conceded goals for fun. We've killed ourselves, giving the ball away too cheaply."
Who is unavailable for Stoke City?
Injury problems are compounding the on-field issues. Six first-team players are currently sidelined. The defensive unit is particularly affected, with Aaron Cresswell, Ben Gibson, and Junior Tchamadeu all out. Midfielders Svante Ingelsson and Lamine Cissé are also unavailable, along with forward Ato Ampah. Fans can track the latest fitness news on our dedicated injuries page.
This lengthy absentee list severely limits Robins's options as he tries to find a winning formula. The team's defensive record this season highlights the impact of these absences.
What is the historical record against Norwich?
The head-to-head history with Norwich City is remarkably even, which offers a glimmer of hope. The two clubs have met 65 times in total. Norwich edge the count with 23 victories to Stoke's 22, with 20 matches ending in draws. A home win on Saturday would level the historical tally.
Norwich arrive in strong form, however. They demolished Burnley 4-1 in their last league outing, with Mohamed Touré and Andre Brooks each scoring twice. Philippe Clement's side also beat Cardiff City 2-1 in the EFL Cup, showcasing their attacking threat.
How can fans watch the match?
The Championship clash kicks off at 3:00 PM EDT on Saturday. For viewers in the United States, the match will be available for live streaming on Most important+ and Fubo. This broadcast accessibility allows supporters to follow the team's attempt to climb off the bottom of the standings.
Stoke's next challenge comes quickly, with a home game against high-flying Charlton scheduled for September 5th.
