MX23RW : Sunday, December 22 21:09:05| >> :120:86117:86117:
[monks data]
Stoke logo
Championship | Gameweek 2
Aug 6, 2022 at 3pm UK
Bet365 Stadium
Blackpool

Stoke
2 - 0
Blackpool

Clarke (33'), Brown (75')
Baker (74'), Laurent (90+5')
FT(HT: 1-0)

Dougall (78'), C (90+2')

Preview: Stoke City vs. Blackpool - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Saturday's Championship clash between Stoke City and Blackpool, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

After beating Reading last weekend, Blackpool will bid to open their campaign with consecutive victories when they travel to the bet365 Stadium to face Stoke City on Saturday.

The hosts, meanwhile, will attempt to clinch their first points of the season after falling to a 2-0 defeat to Millwall on the opening weekend of the season.


Match preview

Stoke City manager Michael O'Neill looks on on March 1, 2022© Reuters

Since being relegated from the Premier League four years ago, Stoke have finished no higher than 14th place in the Championship.

In fact, they ended their last two campaigns in 14th position, but they will be aiming to push into the top half of the table this term.

However, to achieve a top-12 finish, Stoke will need to avoid too many performances like the one that they offered up in their season opener against Millwall.

Poor defending from set-pieces ultimately cost the Potters, who conceded two Charlie Cresswell goals from corner kicks which condemned them to a 2-0 away defeat.

As they turn their attention to their first home game of the season, Stoke will look to draw inspiration from the end of last season when they lost just one of their final five home matches.

Blackpool's Josh Bowler celebrates scoring their first goal with Christopher Hamilton on January 29, 2022© Reuters

While Stoke were unable to achieve a positive result last weekend, Blackpool got off to a winning start under new manager Michael Appleton.

The former Lincoln City boss took over the reins from Neil Critchley, who joined Aston Villa as Steven Gerrard's assistant manager.

Appleton began his tenure with a home encounter against Reading, and it proved to be a successful outing, with a ninth-minute Callum Connolly strike guiding Blackpool to a 1-0 victory.

After winning his opening match in his second spell as Blackpool boss, Appleton will now set about achieving a successful away result on Saturday.

The Tangerines only managed to win five away league games last season, and an improvement in their away form this season could see them operate in the top half of the table.

Stoke City Championship form:
  • L

Blackpool Championship form:
  • W


Team News

Stoke City's Jacob Brown celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates on January 28, 2022© Reuters

Stoke are still without the services of Nick Powell and Harry Souttar, who are sidelined due to injury issues.

Ben Wilmot was forced off late on against Millwall with a groin problem, and as a result, the defender is a doubt for Saturday's contest.

Last season's top scorer Jacob Brown was used as a second-half substitute last weekend, but the 24-year-old is expected to come into the lineup for Stoke's first home game of the season.

As for Blackpool, they have a number of injury absentees to contend with, including Doug Tharme, Kevin Stewart and Jake Beesley.

Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel and Luke Garbutt are sidelined, while Keshi Anderson picked up an injury before the season opener against Reading, which will keep him out for two months.

James Husband is a doubt for the first away game of the season, although Richard Keogh is set to feature after missing last weekend's victory with a knock.

Stoke City possible starting lineup:
Bursik; Taylor, Jagielka, Flint; Clarke, Laurent, Clucas, Baker, Tymon; Campbell, Brown

Blackpool possible starting lineup:
Grimshaw; Connolly, Ekpiteta, Keogh, Thompson; Virtue, Fiorini, Carey; Bowler, Yates, Madine


SM words green background

We say: Stoke City 1-1 Blackpool

No side drew more away games in the Championship than Blackpool last season, and we think that they will continue that trend in their first away match of the season by playing out a draw with Stoke.


For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.


Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting over 1.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Over 1.5:data


ID:491553:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect8545:
Written by
Ben Sully

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


Game History

How you voted: Stoke vs Blackpool

Stoke City
35.7%
Draw
39.3%
Blackpool
25.0%
28
Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
A general shot of Blackpool stadium Bloomfield Road
Read Next:
Blackpool: Transfer ins and outs - January 2022
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
6pm
Lions
@
Bears
6pm
Browns
@
Bengals
6pm
Patriots
@
Bills
6pm
Titans
@
Colts
6pm
Giants
@
Falcons
6pm
Rams
@
Jets
6pm
Cardinals
@
Panthers
6pm
Eagles
@
Washington
9.05pm
Vikings
@
Seahawks
9.25pm
49ers
@
Dolphins
9.25pm
Jags
@
Raiders
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd22155232112148
2Leeds UnitedLeeds22136341152645
3Burnley2212822891944
4Sunderland22127334181643
5Blackburn RoversBlackburn2111462518737
6Middlesbrough22105738281035
7West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom22811326161035
8Watford2110473028234
9Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds229582830-232
10Millwall217772118328
11Swansea CitySwansea227692424027
12Bristol City226972628-227
13Norwich CityNorwich226883734326
14Queens Park RangersQPR2251072328-525
15Luton TownLuton2274112538-1325
16Derby CountyDerby2266102728-124
17Coventry CityCoventry2266102834-624
18Preston North EndPreston2241172229-723
19Stoke CityStoke2257102330-722
20Portsmouth204882535-1020
21Hull City2247112131-1019
22Cardiff CityCardiff2146111934-1518
23Oxford UnitedOxford Utd2146112137-1618
24Plymouth ArgylePlymouth2146112245-2318


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!