EFL Championship | Gameweek 41

Apr 8, 2025 at 7.45pm UK

Bet365 Stadium

Stoke vs Luton

Match preview

Stoke had plenty of chances against Preston North End on 5 April - almost 2.5 xG and five good chances - but somehow managed to hold on for a 1-1 draw.

Despite the draw last time out, the Potters' form has improved of late, with two wins and just one defeat in their last four matches, having lost three of their previous four.

Manager Mark Robins will be keen to avoid a repeat of the 2-1 reverse fixture against Luton on 10 December, when his side took a sixth-minute lead but failed to create any real chances apart from the goal.

The Potters' record of 41 goals is the third-worst in the bottom nine, although they have scored almost a quarter of that total (10) in their last eight Championship games.

Stoke have won their last two league games at home and are unbeaten in three, keeping two clean sheets in the process.

Meanwhile, Luton held third-placed Leeds to a stalemate last time out, with Isaiah Jones' opener accounting for two-thirds of their total xG (0.9).

The Hatters have been much improved at the back and have kept three clean sheets in their last five games, the same number as in their previous 22.

Matt Bloomfield's side are just two points adrift of 21st-placed Derby County, who they visit on 18 April, but face tough tests against seventh-placed Coventry City and eighth-placed West Bromwich Albion in their final two games of the season.

The visitors have been in fine form in recent weeks, going four games without defeat and winning two of those. They have also won their last two away games, but have lost 15 and drawn one of their last 16 away from home.

Recent Performance

Stoke City Championship form:DLWLWD

Luton Town Championship form:WLWDWD

Team News

Stoke have a near full-strength squad available for Tuesday's clash, although left-backs Enda Stevens and Josh Wilson-Esbrand could miss out with knocks and leg injuries respectively.

Eric Bocat is likely to retain his place at left-back, with Junior Tchamadeu, Ashley Phillips and Ben Wilmot likely to join him in defence.

Jordan Thompson and Wouter Burger could form a double pivot, while attacking midfielder Lewis Baker is likely to play behind striker Sam Gallagher.

Luton have more problems in their squad, with centre-backs Teden Mengi and Tom Lockyer both ruled out, and their absences could see Christ Makosso, Mark McGuinness and Amari'i Bell start in a back three.

Liam Walsh, Thelo Aasgaard and Jordan Clark could all feature in the centre with midfielders Marvelous Nakamba and Shandon Baptiste unavailable.

Up front, forwards Elijah Adebayo and Jacob Brown are both injured, so expect Carlton Morris to be partnered by Millenic Alli.

Possible starting lineup

Stoke City possible starting lineup:

Johansson; Tchamadeu, Phillips, Wilmot, Bocat; Thompson, Burger; Manhoef, Baker, Jun-Ho; Gallagher

Luton Town possible starting lineup:

Kaminski; Makosso, McGuinness, Bell; Jones, Walsh, Aasgaard, Clark, Doughty; Morris, Alli