The Potters look to bounce back from their first league loss in the Schumacher era
by visiting the Stadium of Light to play a Sunderland side who are only 3 points from
the playoffs.
Well, it was fun while it lasted. Stoke's unbeaten streak has come to an end but not
in the way it usually does.
For the first time in what seems like forever Stoke see their unbeaten streak come to
an end on a good performance.
Many fans were quick to praise the performance despite the loss against a
rejuvenated Birmingham City side.
But will Stoke finally show a bit of backbone and bounce back from a defeat?
Here’s everything you need to know about The Potters' upcoming game against The
Black Cats…
Team News
Stoke City youngster Nathan Lowe has signed a new year 4-and-a-half-year
contract. This is great to see with the Academy being one of the things that The
Potters could utilise more. Especially with the quality it's been producing in recent
years.
The likes of Harry Souttar and Nathan Collins have been excellent examples of the
quality that is being produced by the Academy.
Steven Schumacher has stated in a recent interview that “over the next few years”
Lowe will “become a really important player for us.” This is fantastic news for Stoke
City fans as the club needs a recognised striker which was missing against
Birmingham.
Finally, the injuries have now almost cleared up with the only player still out being
Josh Laurent. With almost a complete squad in full health, it will certainly provide a
slight headache for Schumacher.
Schumacher states the aim is to try and “to try and pick a team that we think is going
to win the game” and “it's important you don’t chop and change too much.”
Harrison’s Prediction
Usually, if I was to do this with managers of the past, I would say that Stoke would
lose by an x amount of goals.
However, Schumacher provides me with some sense of hope. It seems we are finally
playing football which is new and exciting!
This could potentially be the most faith I’ve had in a manager for years. However,
despite the great performances, it seems we are still missing that finishing touch.
PREDICTION: SUNDERLAND 0 – 2 STOKE
Comments