Stoke City vs Sheffield Utd: Predictions, Betting odds, Lineups, Preview

Explore Ladbrokes' detailed preview for Stoke City vs Sheffield Utd in the Championship. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 19:45 GMT match.

• Fixture: Stoke City vs Sheffield Utd
• Date: Monday, 29 December 2025
• Kick-off: 19:45 GMT
• Venue: Bet365 Stadium

Stoke City will be looking to bounce back after a string of inconsistent results, with their last home game against Preston ending in a goalless draw. They'll need to be more clinical in front of goal, especially with players like Divin Mubama leading the line. Sheffield Utd, on the other hand, have shown they can be ruthless, as demonstrated by their 4-0 thrashing of Stoke earlier in the season. However, their recent away form has been patchy, which could give Stoke a fighting chance if they can exploit any defensive frailties.

The midfield battle will be crucial, with Million Manhoef and Jun-Ho Bae needing to control the game for Stoke. Sheffield Utd's Gustavo Hamer and Callum O'Hare will be key in dictating the tempo for the visitors. If Stoke can keep it tight at the back and capitalise on any mistakes, they might just nick a result. But Sheffield Utd's attacking prowess could prove too much if they're on song.

Stoke City's recent form has been a bit of a rollercoaster, with only one win in their last five games. Their most recent match was a frustrating 0-0 draw at home to Preston, which won't have done much for their confidence. However, they did manage a 2-1 victory over Swansea at home, showing they can be effective in front of their own fans. They'll need to find that form again if they're to get anything from this game.

Recent Championship Results:

• Draw: 0-0 vs Preston (H)
• Loss: 0-1 vs Watford (A)
• Win: 2-1 vs Swansea (H)
• Loss: 0-1 vs Ipswich (A)
• Loss: 0-4 vs Sheffield Utd (A)

Sheffield Utd have had a mixed bag of results lately, with two wins, a draw, and two losses in their last five outings. Their most recent game was a disappointing 3-5 defeat away to Wrexham, which might have dented their confidence.

However, they did manage a convincing 4-0 win over Stoke earlier in the season, which will give them the belief they can do it again. Their home form has been solid, but they'll need to tighten up defensively if they're to repeat that result on the road.

Recent Championship Results:

• Loss: 3-5 vs Wrexham (A)

• Win: 3-0 vs Birmingham (H)

• Loss: 0-2 vs West Brom (A)

• Draw: 1-1 vs Norwich (H)

• Win: 4-0 vs Stoke City (H)

The head-to-head record between these two teams shows Sheffield Utd have had the upper hand recently, winning four of the last five encounters. Their most recent meeting ended in a 4-0 victory for Sheffield Utd, while Stoke's last win over them was a 3-1 home victory back in October 2022. This pattern suggests Sheffield Utd have found a way to consistently get the better of Stoke, but football is unpredictable, and anything can happen on the day.

Recent Championship Results

• Sheffield Utd 4-0 Stoke City (06 Dec 2025)
• Stoke City 0-2 Sheffield Utd (25 Apr 2025)
• Sheffield Utd 2-0 Stoke City (26 Oct 2024)
• Sheffield Utd 3-1 Stoke City (14 Jan 2023)
• Stoke City 3-1 Sheffield Utd (08 Oct 2022)

• Lewis Baker (Ankle) – Out

• Junior Tchamadeu (International duty) - Out

• Eric Bocat (Knee) - Out

• Tom Davies (Calf) – Out

• Chiedozie Ogbene (Hamstring) – Out

• Ben Godfrey (Knee) – Out

• Ben Mee (Hand) - Out

• Sydie Peck (Calf) - Out

• Predicted lineup: Johansson (GK), Lawal (DF), Phillips (DF), Wilmot (DF), Cresswell (DF), Seko (MF), Pearson (MF), Manhoef (MF), Bae (MF), Thomas (MF), Mubama (AT)

Stoke City are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Viktor Johansson in goal and a back four of Lawal, Phillips, Wilmot, and Cresswell. The midfield duo of Seko and Pearson will look to provide a solid base, allowing Manhoef, Bae, and Thomas to push forward and support Mubama up top.

• Predicted lineup: Cooper (GK), Seriki (DF), Tanganga (DF), Bindon (DF), McCallum (DF), Arblaster (MF), Riedewald (MF), Chong (MF), O'Hare (MF), Hamer (MF), Bamford (AT)

Sheffield Utd will likely stick with their 4-2-3-1 setup, with Michael Cooper between the sticks and a defensive line of Seriki, Tanganga, Bindon, and McCallum. The midfield pairing of Arblaster and Riedewald will aim to control the game, freeing up Chong, O'Hare, and Hamer to create chances for Bamford.

• Mubama vs Tanganga: Divin Mubama's pace and movement will test Japhet Tanganga's defensive capabilities.

• Manhoef vs Hamer: Million Manhoef's creativity will be crucial against Gustavo Hamer's midfield control.

• Bae (Stoke City): Jun-Ho Bae's ability to unlock defences will be vital for Stoke's attacking threat.

• O'Hare (Sheffield Utd): Callum O'Hare's flair and goal threat make him a key player for Sheffield Utd.

Stoke City vs Sheffield Utd at 19:45 GMT on Monday, 29 December 2025, isn't being broadcast live for viewers in the UK.

Ladbrokes is predicting that the score will be Stoke City 1-2 Sheffield Utd.

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