Stoke City are on a tricky run of form in the Championship at the moment which has increased the side’s chances of being relegated to League One at the end of the season, according to Opta.
The Potters have had a turbulent campaign. Having had a dreadful start to the season under the guidance of former Sunderland and Norwich City boss Alex Neil, the board were forced to relieve the Scotsman of his duties back in December and appointed then-Plymouth Argyle head coach Steven Schumacher as his replacement.
“We Shouldn’t Be Talking” – Stoke City Legend Makes Relegation Admission
Schumacher’s life at the Bet65 Stadium got off to a rocky start as Stoke fell into the bottom three within weeks of him taking the helm. There were even rumours at one stage that the hierarchy were planning on pulling the trigger on his time in charge, with Tony Pulis linked with the job.
Nevertheless, Stoke City weathered the storm and eventually hit some form under the 40-year-0ld in February and March, including impressive victories away at promotion-chasing Preston North End and Hull City.
Furthermore, Schumacher’s side have suffered just one defeat in their five previous league outings which was in Wales against Swansea City. Regardless, the Potters remain only three points above the dreaded relegation zone.
Prior to Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough, which could have huge ramifications in the race for survival, Stoke had a 9.7% chance of being relegated to the third tier for the first time in over three decades, according to Opta’s latest projections. Following the tie in South Yorkshire, this has slightly increased to 10.1%.
⌚️ Timed to perfection.
A moment of quality to secure a share of the spoils in front of 3,900 Potters. pic.twitter.com/qmslrUSP3J
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) April 14, 2024
Incidentally, Queens Park Rangers, who are level on points with Stoke in the table, have a 14.7% chance of dropping out of the Championship, having spent so long in the second division.
Writer’s View
QPR have much tougher games coming now until the end of the season than the team directly below them. Marti Cifuentes’ men still have to face Preston, Leeds United and Coventry City while Stoke City have difficult fixtures against Plymouth, Southampton and Bristol City, two of which are at home.
The Potters certainly don’t have an easy run of games from now until the end of the campaign but they could pick up at least four points which would finally guarantee safety in the Championship for at least another year.
