Budu Zivzivadze has been absent for the last few matches, but if the striker is fit, he is expected to lead the line alongside Marvin Pieringer. Additionally, there have been over 2.5 goals in 6 of VfB Stuttgart's last 7 games (my tip: over 3 goals).

Stoke City return to action on Friday, aiming to regain winning form and solidify their Championship position for another season, having recently distanced themselves from the relegation zone.

Entering the March international break with only one win in their previous six matches, the Potters were in 20th place with 39 points from 38 games, but they have since improved impressively, nearing a seventh consecutive second-tier campaign.

Upon resuming play, Mark Robins's team enjoyed a five-match unbeaten run, including three wins, ending with consecutive victories against Cardiff City and Sheffield Wednesday. Million Manhoef and Ben Wilmot scored in a 2-0 win over the latter, following a Will Fish own goal that secured the only score in South Wales.

They then faced league leaders Leeds United on Easter Monday but could not extend their streak, suffering a 6-0 defeat as Joel Piroe netted four goals in the first half, with Junior Firpo and Willy Gnonto adding to the tally.

Despite the setback in Yorkshire, Stoke City now sit in 17th place, four points above the relegation zone with two games left, thanks to their recent surge, and they will seek to extend that gap with a home win on Friday.

Meanwhile, Sheffield United travel to Staffordshire for their penultimate league match before the playoffs, after their automatic promotion bid ended on Monday.

Despite a two-point deduction, the Blades mounted a strong campaign for an immediate Premier League return, leading the Championship with 83 points from 39 games after a home win post-international break.

However, they have slipped from contention for the top two, losing four of their last five league games, including defeats to Oxford United, Millwall, and bottom-side Plymouth Argyle.

After a win against struggling Cardiff City, Chris Wilder's side faced second-placed Burnley on Monday, needing a victory to stay in the promotion race, but fell 2-1 as Josh Brownhill scored twice around a Tom Cannon equalizer.

Now focusing on the playoffs in early May, Sheffield United aim to overcome their recent poor form and rebuild confidence with a road win on Friday, having already secured third place.

Stoke City will be without defenders Enda Stevens, Eric Bocat, and Michael Rose, as well as midfielders Jordan Thompson and Sol Sidibe, due to injuries on Friday.

Mark Robins may refresh his starting lineup after the 6-0 loss, with Ali Al-Hamadi likely leading the attack, supported by wingers Million Manhoef and Bae Jun-ho.

In their 4-2-3-1 formation, Tatsuki Seko and Lewis Koumas could start, while Ben Gibson might replace either Ashley Phillips or Ben Wilmot in defense.

With two games before the playoffs, Chris Wilder is expected to rotate his Sheffield United squad, with defenders Harry Clarke and Rhys Norrington-Davies out, along with midfielders Oliver Arblaster and Tom Davies.

Tom Cannon, who tops the team's scoring charts with 12 goals on loan until January, should again lead the line after scoring in Monday's defeat, while Rhian Brewster, Tyrese Campbell, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, and Callum O'Hare vie for attacking roles.

Midfielder Vinicius Souza may be rested, allowing Hamza Choudhury to pair with Sydie Peck in midfield, and Rob Holding or Alfie Gilchrist to feature on the right side of the back four.

Stoke City possible starting lineup:

Johansson; Tchamadeu, Phillips, Wilmot, Gooch; Burger, Seko; Manhoef, Baker, Bae; Al-Hamadi

Sheffield United possible starting lineup:

Cooper; Gilchrist, Holding, Ahmedhodzic, McCallum; Peck, Choudhury; Rak-Sakyi, O'Hare, Brewster; Cannon