Premier League preview and odds: Stoke City vs West Bromwich Albion

Premier League preview and odds: Stoke City vs West Bromwich Albion

September 24 , 2016 15:00pm - Bet365 Stadium

Premier League

Stoke City will attempt to defibrillate their flat-lining Premier League season when they welcome perennial mid-table dwellers West Bromwich Albion to the Bet365 Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Mark Hughes under pressure as Potters stumble out of the blocks

Stoke have been notoriously bad starters under Mark Hughes but this season they have taken things to a whole new level. Since pocketing a point away to newbies Middlesbrough on the opening day, the Potters have failed to add to their tally and come into this game on the back of four-game losing streak.

The poor start has sparked the inevitable discussions about Hughes` future at the club but the former Man City boss has come out fighting, stating his belief that he can lead the club into the top half of the table once again.

Standing in Stoke City`s way of a maiden victory are former boss Tony Pulis` side West Bromwich Albion. The Baggies are sat rather predictably in 10th place in the table, a realm which they seem to have made their own in the last few years.

They come into this game on the back of a 4-2 win at home to West Ham United which marked their first victory since the opening day win at Crystal Palace. Since then they have also drawn 0-0 with Middlesbrough, a game that provided the filling in a sandwich of defeats to Everton (1-2) and Bournemouth (1-0).

Team news

Mark Hughes` cause has been hindered further by a significant injury list which currently includes the likes of Jakob Haugaard, Xherdan Shaqiri, Jack Butland, Stephen Ireland and Ibrahim Affelay.

Meanwhile, Chris Brunt remains be the only significant absentee for the visitors who are set to name an unchaged XI.

Recent form (League)

Stoke City: LLLLW

West Bromwich Albion: WDLDW

Betting odds and tips

Stoke have yet to score in the first half of a Premier League game this season and have only netted once at home.

Likewise, West Brom have only scored once on the road, having bagged their other five goals on home soil.

As a result, a low-scoring encounter can be expected.

You can back Under 2.5 Goals at 4/6 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Go To bet365

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23/09/2016     © Frixo 2024