The FA Cup fourth round brings a familiar battle as Stoke City host Cardiff City at the bet365 Stadium. With both teams navigating inconsistent Championship campaigns, this cup tie presents a valuable opportunity for progression and a potential morale boost.
Mark Robins' Stoke side are aiming to build on recent positive home form, while Cardiff, under Ömer Rıza, will be looking for a reaction following their 7-0 thrashing against Leeds United in the league.
Recent Form & FA Cup Journey
Stoke City (Last 5 Matches in All Competitions)
W 2-1 vs Hull City (Championship)
D 0-0 vs Oxford United (Championship)
L 1-3 vs Portsmouth (Championship)
D 1-1 vs West Bromwich Albion (Championship)
W 2-1 vs Sunderland (FA Cup Third Round)
Stoke edged past Sunderland in the previous round, showing resilience on the road.
Cardiff City (Last 5 Matches in All Competitions)
L 0-7 vs Leeds United (Championship)
W 2-1 vs Derby County (Championship)
D 2-2 vs Millwall (Championship)
W 3-0 vs Swansea City (Championship)
D 1-1 vs Watford (Championship)
Cardiff defeated Sheffield United 1-0 in the third round but were hammered by Leeds in their last outing
Head-to-Head & FA Cup History
Stoke City have won 18 of the last 52 meetings, Cardiff have won 18, and there have been 16 draws.
The teams last met in December 2024, drawing 2-2 in the Championship.
Cardiff's last FA Cup triumph came in 1927, while Stoke have never won the competition, despite reaching the final in 2011.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Stoke City Team News
Injuries & Suspensions:
Ben Wilmot (Leg injury) – Out until mid-February
Eric Bocat (Calf injury) – Late February return
Jordan Thompson (Leg injury) – Mid-February return
Wouter Burger (Muscle injury) – Doubtful
Million Manhoef (Unknown injury)-- Doubtful
Possible XI (4-2-3-1)
GK: Viktor Johansson
DEF: Michael Rose, Ashley Phillips, Enda Stevens, Junior Tchamadeu
MID: Wouter Burger, Tayo Seko
ATT MID: Joon-Ho Bae, Nathan Lowe, Lewis Koumas
ST: Emre Tezgel
Key Player: Lewis Koumas – The winger has shown glimpses of quality and will be crucial in leading Stoke’s attack.
Cardiff City Team News
Injuries & Suspensions:
Aaron Ramsey (Muscle injury) – Back in training
David Turnbull (Hamstring injury) – Out until late February
Isaak Davies (Leg injury) – Mid-February return
Ollie Tanner (Bruised foot) – Expected back soon
Roko Simic (Unknown injury)- Unknown return time
Possible XI (4-3-3)
GK: Jak Alnwick
DEF: Jesper Daland, Dimitrios Goutas, Perry Ng, Andy Rinomhota
MID: Joe Ralls, Sven Mannsverk, Alex Robertson
ATT: Anwar El Ghazi, Callum Robinson, Yakou Meite
Key Player: Callum Robinson – The forward will be Cardiff’s main goal threat, looking to exploit gaps in Stoke’s backline.
Tactical Breakdown & What to Expect
Stoke’s Approach
Look to control possession and attack through the flanks.
Defensive resilience has improved, but goals have been hard to come by.
Set-pieces will be key, with Burger and Al-Hamadi capable in the air.
Cardiff’s Approach
Compact defensive shape to avoid another heavy defeat.
Will try to hit Stoke on the break through pacey wide players.
Callum Robinson’s movement could trouble the hosts.
Prediction: Tight Encounter Expected
Neither side has shown consistent attacking form, making this a cagey contest. Stoke’s home advantage might give them the edge, but Cardiff will fight hard to force a replay.
Final Score: Stoke City 1-1 Cardiff City (Stoke to win on penalties)
Expect a low-scoring affair with a potential shootout.
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This is a match where both sides will be wary of defeat, but Stoke might just edge it if it goes the distance.
