Stoke City is set to benefit from the expanded play-off structure, which will give the team finishing eighth in the Championship a chance to win promotion to the top flight. The proposal, which has support from Championship clubs, would see teams from fifth to eighth play additional one-off preliminary games. This season, the Championship is as competitive as ever, with 15 points between the play-off spots and drop zone. Stoke City currently sits 17th in the Championship, with 55 points from 46 games, and is 40 points behind leaders Coventry. The team has scored 51 goals and conceded 56 this season. In the pick of the other ties, Aston Villa will host Newcastle United, while Manchester City could face Salford City at home. The Uruguayan striker, Luis Suárez, continued his impressive start to pre-season having also netted in last weekend’s 3-1 win at Preston. Liam Delap has made a name for himself in the top flight this season - as his dad, Rory, and Stoke did with a bullet like long throw. Stoke City's next fixture is against Middlesbrough on February 17, 2027.