The Potters are aiming to boost a middling campaign by sparking a cup run, as their hopes of getting out of the Championship seem slim. The visitors are hanging just above the drop zone in League One, as they were hammered 3-0 against Charlton at the weekend. They’ve got work to do in order to keep their place in the third division, so this clash comes as a bit of a distraction. However, they meet a Stoke side who are without a win in their previous five matches. That opens up an opportunity for the visitors, who will be hoping to secure a major shock on the back of the hosts’ recent results. Despite their recent form, Stoke have been priced up as heavy favourites for a result here. Jones was able to guide his Luton side to a surprise 0-0 draw at Sheffield Wednesday in the Third Round, but now he’s expected to finish the job as the boss of the favourites. His opening clash in charge didn’t go to plan with a defeat at Brentford, but this seems like the perfect time to turn Stoke’s fortunes around. One major issue for the hosts is at the back, as they’ve conceded in four of their last five matches here. Meanwhile, Shrewsbury have seen both teams score in their last eight away trips, so we are backing them to cause trouble against a vulnerable Stoke defence. While the Potters should edge this one, they’ve conceded in all but one of their last 11 home matches in the cup. Their last four cup home wins have seen both teams score, so Stoke and BTTS here.
The Potters are aiming to boost a middling campaign by sparking a cup run, as their hopes of getting out of the Championship seem slim.
The visitors are hanging just above the drop zone in League One, as they were hammered 3-0 against Charlton at the weekend. They’ve got work to do in order to keep their place in the third division, so this clash comes as a bit of a distraction. However, they meet a Stoke side who are without a win in their previous five matches. That opens up an opportunity for the visitors, who will be hoping to secure a major shock on the back of the hosts’ recent results.
Despite their recent form, Stoke have been priced up as heavy favourites for a result here. Jones was able to guide his Luton side to a surprise 0-0 draw at Sheffield Wednesday in the Third Round, but now he’s expected to finish the job as the boss of the favourites. His opening clash in charge didn’t go to plan with a defeat at Brentford, but this seems like the perfect time to turn Stoke’s fortunes around.
One major issue for the hosts is at the back, as they’ve conceded in four of their last five matches here. Meanwhile, Shrewsbury have seen both teams score in their last eight away trips, so we are backing them to cause trouble against a vulnerable Stoke defence. While the Potters should edge this one, they’ve conceded in all but one of their last 11 home matches in the cup. Their last four cup home wins have seen both teams score, so Stoke and BTTS here.