Two struggling sides clash at the Bet 365 stadium on Saturday as Alan Pardew takes his West Brom side to Mark Hughes’s beleaguered Stoke. The Potters were thumped 3-0 by West Ham last time out and the pressure is really beginning to tell on Mark Hughes. West Brom were spirited in defeat against Manchester United but now sit in the bottom 3 and are staring down the barrel currently.
English Premier League – Stoke City vs West Bromwich Albion – Bet 365 Stadium, Saturday 23rd December 2017, Kick-off: 15.00 GMT
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Draw Best Odd of: 23/10 at Betfair |
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Stoke City
West Bromwich AlbionStoke City
No team in the Premier League has conceded more goals than Stoke City – 39 goals conceded from 18 Premier League games. Mark Hughes’s men have only won one of their last 8 league games – including defeats in their last 3 matches at the hands of Tottenham, Burnley and West Ham. Xherdan Shaqiri has shown signs of being the saviour Stoke are looking for and he will be looking to add to his goal tally of 4 this season.
West Bromwich Albion
The Baggies are enduring a horrible run and are without a Premier League win since August. Alan Pardew has been tasked with finding a solution to their problems but has yet to register a win as manager. They currently reside in 19th place in the league table – 2 points from safety and look to have it all to do to steer clear of the relegation picture. Jay Rodriguez is the primary goal threat for the Baggies but he’s only managed 3 goals since his summer move from Southampton.
Head to Head
These two rivals have shared many battles with Stoke leading the head to head with 60 wins to West Brom’s 46 with another 37 games ending in draws. The last meeting between the sides back in August was a drab affair with the spoils shared, Peter Crouch cancelled out Jay Rodriguez’s first goal for the club in a 1-1 draw at the Hawthorns.
Stoke City vs West Bromwich Albion: Odds and Predictions
Goals have been hard to come by for both sides but with two of the league’s worst defences on show – there could be goals.
Both teams to score – YES – is the wise move at 1/1 with Coral.
Peter Crouch scored in the reverse fixture and is always a threat – whether he starts the game or not.
Peter Crouch to score anytime is great value at 12/5 with Paddy Power.
Neither side are known for their attacking prowess and it could be a cagey encounter.
Under 2.5 goals in the game looks a great shout at 4/7 with Ladbrokes.
This could be a fiery encounter between two sides desperate to win to stay in the Premier League.
The match to finish as a draw looks a sensible punt at 23/10 with Betfair.
Score Prediction
Stoke City 1 – 1 West Bromwich Albion – 11/2 with William Hill.
Top Betting Tip: Stoke City vs West Bromwich Albion
Both sides need a win and the enormity of the game could make it a close encounter between two well matched teams. The match to end as a draw and both teams to score looks great value at 7/2 with Sky Bet.