Opta Stats: Stoke City v Liverpool

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The Big Match Tactical View: Arsenal v Stoke

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Next Stoke Manager: Poyet, Benitez and Di Matteo make the early running

"The early Betfair market for next Stoke manager has a distinctly Chelsea flavour at the top, with Roberto Di Matteo, Rafael Benitez and Brighton boss Gus Poyet (currently suspended from the club) all trading at sub 10.09/1 prices."

Betfair has opened a market on the next Stoke manager after it emerged that Tony Pulis is to depart the Britannia following a meeting with chairman Peter Coates this morning.

The Welshman spent a total of ten years at the Britannia Stadium. He first took the job in 2002 before spending a season at Plymouth Argyle in 2005/6 but then returning to Staffordshire to lead the Potters into the Premier League for the first time. 

Pulis did well to establish Stoke as a top flight outfit, taking them to an FA Cup final in 2011 and into Europe, playing a brand of football that was unloved by the purists, but undoubtedly effective.

However, after five years in the Premier League and heavy investment in the transfer market - only Manchester City and Chelsea have a higher net spend over that period - Stoke have failed to push on, leading to some supporter unrest and Pulis' time in the hotseat has come to an end.

The early Betfair market for next Stoke manager has a distinctly Chelsea flavour at the top, with Roberto Di Matteo, Rafael Benitez and Brighton boss Gus Poyet (currently suspended from the club) all trading at sub 10.09/1 prices.

The market also features young managers such as Eddie Howe as well as familiar names like Harry Redknapp and Mark Hughes.

Who's your money on?

Check out our end of season report on Stoke.

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Opta Stats: Wigan v Stoke

Opta / Richard / 29 March 2012 / Leave a Comment

Gary Caldwell's goal secured Wigan all three points at Liverpool last week

Wigan go in search of successive victories after their remarkable win at Anfield...

Five of the seven Premier League meetings between Wigan and Stoke have ended as draws. Match odds

Only one of the last 10 league meetings between Wigan and Stoke has ended as a home win. Match odds

Wigan have lost just one of their last seven Premier League matches (W2 D4 L1). Match odds

However, the Latics have struggled on their own patch, winning none of their last 13 matches at the DW Stadium (W0 D6 L7). Match odds

Stoke have lost just one of their last five Premier League games (W2 D2 L1). Match odds

The Potters have won just one of their last seven Premier League games on the road (W1 D2 L4). Match odds

Stoke have scored the highest percentage of goals from set plays in the top flight (59%) this season.

Only Norwich (37%) have scored a higher percentage of headed goals than Stoke (34%).

Wigan have scored a higher percentage of goals from outside the penalty area than any other team in the top flight (30%).

Wigan have scored the joint-fewest headed goals in the Premier League this season (2).

19% of the goals Wigan have scored have come from penalties, while 17% of the goals Stoke have shipped have come from the spot; both divisional highs. Penalty taken?

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Football Stats: Kenny's Cup kings to keep it clean against Stoke

FA Cup / Andrew Atherley / 14 March 2012 / Leave a Comment

Luis Enrique has been a standout performer in the Liverpool back four this year

"Liverpool have won nine and lost just two of their 15 ties in all cup competitions since Dalglish took charge."

Andrew Atherley once again roots through the statistics ahead of this weekend's cup and league games with Liverpool and West Brom catching the eye

Some might say the only consistent thing about Liverpool is their inconsistency - and perhaps that is what has made them such a good cup side under Kenny Dalglish.

Liverpool have won nine and lost just two of their 15 ties in all cup competitions since Dalglish took charge. At home the record is four wins and two draws out of six (the draws were against Manchester City and against Braga in last season's Europa League), which makes them hot favourites to progress when they host Stoke on Sunday in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

In fact, backing Liverpool now for the FA Cup at [4.3] could be a good bet as they are sure to shorten if they reach the semis.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard was quick to call on his team-mates to achieve more consistent good results in the wake of Tuesday's 3-0 home win over Everton, which picked them up after defeats against Arsenal and Sunderland.

Yet there have been consistent aspects to Liverpool's form - notably their excellent home defence, which could be the telling factor against Stoke. The Reds have the joint-second-lowest goals-against at home this season in the Premier League and that's going to make life difficult for the Potters, who have had a barren time away to the big six.

Since promotion, Stoke's record in that category is one win, three draws and 21 defeats (a loss rate of 84 per cent) in the Premier League and cup competitions. They have failed to score in 16 of the 25 games (including all four visits to Anfield).

Rather than back Liverpool to win on Sunday at odds of [1.43], better-priced options on the stats are the Liverpool clean sheet at [1.91] and Liverpool to win to nil.

West Brom's winning run came to an end with a 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford on Sunday but there was no surprise - nor any disgrace - in losing to new league leaders Manchester United.

Roy Hodgson's side are on their travels again on Saturday and the task could not be any more different - this time the opponents are bottom club Wigan. And win odds of [2.64] indicate the Baggies may be underrated as they try to enhance their excellent away record.

Only five teams have beaten the Baggies on their travels this season and, in reverse order, those teams are Manchester United, Tottenham, Arsenal, Swansea and Chelsea. That's a high-class group of opponents (all five rank in the top eight on home form) and it does not reflect badly on Hodgson's men that they lost those games.

What the market appears not to have recognised yet is that West Brom's away record against teams outside the big six is rock-solid under Hodgson with eight wins, five draws and just two defeats. That makes them deserving favourites against Wigan, who have managed only one win out of 14 at home this season, and arguably the odds should be even shorter.

The fact that the odds are not, along with the draw rates of both teams, makes West Brom off -0 on the Asian handicap a solid bet at [1.82].

As back-up to West Brom's away stats against teams outside the big six is their record of seven wins out of ten (with just one defeat) under Hodgson against teams that rank in the bottom half on home form.

It is particularly noteworthy that eight of those 10 games have had over 2.5 goals, which can be backed at [2.06] in Saturday's match at Wigan, whose lower-scoring tendencies may be outweighed by the Baggies' high return against teams outside the elite.

Recommended Bets
Liverpool to win to nil against Stoke
West Brom off -0 on the Asian handicap v Wigan at [1.82]
Wigan v West Brom over 2.5 goals at [2.06]

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Opta Stats: Stoke v Swansea

Opta / Michael Lintorn / 23 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Brendan Rodgers has enjoyed a fine first season as a Premier League boss

Swansea will be hoping to take advantage of a Stoke side whose recent cup exploits have had a negative impact on their Premier League form...

Swansea have won the last four games with Stoke in all competitions.

Stoke have won just two of their last eight Premier League home games (W2 D2 L4).

In their last eight away games, Swansea have either scored twice or not at all.

Tony Pulis' side have conceded the highest percentage of goals in the first half (55%).

Stoke have fired in fewer shots on target than any other team in the Premier League (64) and have the worst shooting accuracy (34%).

Stoke have been caught offside fewer times than any other team in the Premier League (34).

Stoke have conceded the most goals from the penalty spot this season (7).

Ryan Shawcross has made more defensive clearances than any other player in the top flight this term (318).

Stoke have won just one of their last nine Premier League games (W1 D3 L5).

Ashley Williams has blocked more shots than any other player this season (33).

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Opta Stats: Stoke v Sunderland

Opta / Michael Lintorn / 02 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Stoke striker Kenwyne Jones will want to start against his former club

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None of the seven Premier League meetings between Sunderland and Stoke has ended as an away win, with six wins for the home side and a draw.

Stoke have won the last four home games against Sunderland, all by a single goal margin.

Sunderland have drawn none of their last nine Premier League away games, winning three and losing six.

Stoke have kept just one clean sheet in their last seven Premier League games at the Britannia Stadium and won none of the last three (D2 L1).

Stoke have managed just 33 shots on target in 11 Premier League home games, fewer than any other team.

Stoke have fired in fewer shots on target than any other Premier League team (59).

The Potters have won just one of their last seven Premier League matches (W1 D3 L3).

Stoke have only scored in the first half of one of their last eight league matches.

Stoke have scored the highest percentage of goals from set pieces (57%) in the Premier League.

33% of the goals Sunderland have conceded have come from headers, a league high percentage, while Stoke have shipped a league low 11% headed goals.

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Opta Stats: Stoke v Fulham

Opta / Michael Lintorn / 12 October 2011 / Leave a Comment

Andy Johnson eased the pressure on Martin Jol with a hat-trick against QPR

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Stoke City have fired in fewer shots on target (17) than any other team in the Premier League.

75% of the goals Stoke have conceded have been netted in the first half, the highest proportion in the top flight.

Stoke played Fulham three times last season (twice in the league and once in the Carling Cup) and all the games finished with a 2-0 scoreline.

Clint Dempsey has scored three goals in the last four league meetings between Stoke and Fulham.

Bobby Zamora has scored in four of his last five Premier League appearances.

Peter Crouch has scored in three of his last five Premier League starts against Fulham.

Tony Pulis' side have scored just four goals in their last nine Premier League matches.

The Potters have won only two of their last nine games (W2 D3 L4).

Since losing to Fulham at the Britannia Stadium, Stoke have lost just one of their last 12 Premier League home games (W7 D4 L1).

Fulham's win over QPR ended a run of seven matches in the league without a victory for the Whites (D5 L2).

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Premier League Betting: Stoke City v Wigan

Premier League / Feizal Rahman / 21 May 2011 / Leave a Comment

Roberto Martinez faces an anxious Sunday afternoon

"Wigan have failed to record back-to-back wins this season so after last week’s dramatic victory over West Ham, it’s perhaps a surprise to see them as [2.7] favourites..."

Wigan are fighting for their lives but Stoke are chasing a record high finish at the Britannia on Sunday. It's going to be tense, fraught and possibly furious. Feizal Rahman selects the best bets.

Wigan travel to Stoke on Sunday afternoon, knowing that even a win may not be enough to secure their Premier league status. There are few tougher grounds to visit than the Britannia but the Latics will be targeting a final day fantasy.

However, maximum points will hand Stoke their best Premier League finish and would be fine reward for the ascendant club, perhaps serving as vindication of their often criticized tactics.

Tony Pulis will hand a late fitness test to Matthew Etherington, Jermaine Pennant and Robert Huth - all three missing the midweek league loss to Manchester City through injury. Roberto Martinez, however, has no major injury concerns.

Match Odds

Prior to the FA Cup final, Stoke were in solid form with three wins, three draws and just one defeat from their previous seven league games. At the Britannia, the Potters remain unbeaten in 11 games in all competitions with eight wins.

Out of the current six teams in the danger zone, Wigan have the strongest recent league record with three wins, three draws and two defeats in the last eight - putting them in the top half of the form table, level with their opponents.

In their last six on the road, Wigan have lost three - two by slender margins at Chelsea and Manchester City - but have picked up three points at Blackpool and earned a draw at a resurgent Liverpool.

Four of the five Premier League meetings between these sides have ended in a draw while Wigan have suffered just one loss in their last five trips to the Potteries, winning once and sharing the points on three occasions.

Wigan have failed to record back-to-back wins this season so after last week's dramatic victory over West Ham, it's perhaps a surprise to see them the [2.7] favourites for the win with Stoke a touch larger at [2.8] and the Draw [3.6].

The Latics escaped the drop with a final day win back in 2007 and Roberto Martinez will want his side to recall those memories. But in this instance, it may well be that results elsewhere provide Wigan with all the joy they need.

Over/Under 2.5 Goals

Stoke have scored three or more in five of their last seven home games. Only two sides have denied the Potters a goal at the Britannia this season meaning, in all likelihood, Wigan will have to score at least twice if they are to snatch a victory.

Wigan are the second lowest scorers in the top flight but have netted ten in their last five games. They have, however, failed to score in seven away trips this campaign, although that includes each of their visits to the current top four teams.

The second-from-bottom side have to attack but will undoubtedly leave themselves prone to a counterpunch from the imposing Stoke frontline. Over 2.5 Goals trades at [1.95] although Over 3.5 goals looks likely to tempt at [3.3].

Correct Score

Half of the previous ten meetings between these sides have resulted in a score draw - including the last three Premier League encounters. For those expecting goals, a 2-2 finish is on offer at [17.0] with a saver on 1-1 an option at [8.0].

Stoke have led at the break in three of their last four at home, however, Wigan haven't trailed at half time in any of their last four away games. The Draw/Draw HT/FT result is on offer at [6.0], with the Stoke/Draw option available at [17.0].

First Goalscorer

Between them in 2011, Kenwyne Jones and Jon Walters have opened the scoring six times and they will be around [7.0] and [8.0] respectively to do so again. Meanwhile, Charles N'Zogbia has five in five and is [3.2] To Score at any time.

Top Stat: 5 of the last 10 meetings have ended in a score draw

Best Bet
Back The Draw @ [3.6]

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Back 1-1 and 2-2 Correct Score @ [8.0] and [17.0]

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FA Cup Betting Preview: Stoke City v West Ham United

FA Cup / Maxliu / 12 March 2011 / Leave a Comment

Can Scott Parker lead West Ham to victory over Stoke?

"Although I like the 3.7 on West Ham on value grounds, I’m going for the draw at 3.45."

Has Avram Grant got the cup competition midas touch or can Stoke avenge last week's defeat when the Hammers go to the Britannia on Sunday?

The Britannia Stadium is a tough place to go for even the sturdiest opponents. Stoke have made their home a veritable fortress in recent years, so much so that the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger regard a win there as a considerable achievement.

But West Ham, who travel to Stoke for an FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday, boast an impressive record in the Potteries, having won there twice in the last three seasons. They picked up their first points of the season at the Britannia in a 1-1 draw back in September, knocked Stoke out of the Carling Cup and won 3-0 when the teams met at Upton Park last weekend.

Talismanic skipper Scott Parker had an injection before the game last week so that he could play through the pain barrier. He's a doubt for Sunday but Avram Grant says the midfielder is desperate to play and, considering how important Parker is, I expect to see him turn out. For Stoke, Matthew Etherington has handed Tony Pulis a massive boost by passing a fitness test following a back injury.

Match Odds

West Ham know how to beat Stoke and Avram Grant has a canny knack of taking struggling sides far in Cup competitions. Remember the Hammers' journey to the semi-finals of the League Cup this season, the relegated and bankrupt Portsmouth he led to the FA Cup final, even his run to the Champions League decider with a divided Chelsea squad.

Grant rallies his players to block out league form when it comes to knockout competition. But he needn't do that on Sunday because the Hammers are attempting to win their third match in a row. Stoke's favouritism at [2.16] is down to the Britannia's reputation as a tough place for away teams. Their form is poor, they've won only one of their last five - in the last round of this competition against Brighton - but, although I like the [3.7] on West Ham on valie grounds alone, I'm going for the draw at [3.45].

Over 2.5 Goals

Two of the three matches between these teams this term have broken the 2.5 goals barrier. The game that rewarded unders backers was at the Britannia. West Ham have scored three goals in each of their last two away games - against Blackpool and West Brom - but Tony Pulis' team have a considerably better defensive record than both those sides. Grant has said that he will adapt his team to combat Stoke's physical play so this one could well be tight. Back under 2.5 goals at [1.74] and, if you're feeling brave, back under 1.5 at [3.2].

Booking Odds

There were three bookings - all for Stoke players - at Upton Park last weekend and five yellows in the league clash here in the autumn. The quarter-finals of the FA Cup should yield a feistier contest, with the likes of Scott Parker and Rory Delap set to mix it up in midfield, so I'm backing nine points or above.

To Qualify

Having beaten Stoke twice at Upton Park this season the Hammers will be happy to take a draw and get psyched up for a replay in front of their own fans. Yes, Avram Grant's priority is to remain in the Premier League but he and the club's owners understand the importance of a Cup run. If things do end even on Saturday, I'd be putting all my eggs in the East Londoners' basket. So back them to qualify now at [2.3]. If it ends a draw you'd collect on that bet as well as be in a good position in this market as West Ham would become favourites ahead of the replay at Upton Park.

Best Bet: Back West Ham to qualify @ [2.3]
Recommended bet: Back the draw @ [3.45].

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Premier League Betting: Stoke v West Brom

Premier League / Mike Norman / 27 February 2011 / Leave a Comment

John Carew is fancied to give West Brom’s defence a difficult time on Monday night

"At [1.96] to back Stoke look worthy of a best bet selection given both club’s respective home/away form, their excellent record against Albion, and the fact that the Baggies are incapable of keeping a clean sheet."

Stoke host West Brom on Monday night knowing that a win will give them every chance to challenge for a top six finish. Mike Norman previews the game. Best Bet: Back Stoke at [1.96] to beat West Brom.

Venue: Britannia Stadium, Stoke
Kick-Off/TV: 20:00, live on Sky Sports 1

West Brom fell into the relegation zone for the first time this season thanks to Wolves' 4-0 victory over Blackpool on Saturday, but such is the tight nature of the Premier League table currently, a win for Roy Hodgson's men on Monday night will move the Baggies up three places and just two points behind 10th place Everton. A win for the home side will set Stoke up nicely for an end-of-season challenge to finish in the top six and a possible Europa League qualifying slot.

Unusually for this stage of the season both managers have virtually full strength squads to choose from. Tony Pulis' only major doubt is winger Matthew Etherington who is still struggling with a back problem, but Abdoulaye Faye could return after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Hodgson will be boosted by the news that Scott Carson and Jonas Olsson have recovered from illness, though whether he will be equally pleased when he learns about his new club's poor record against Stoke is unlikely. Albion have won just one of their last 28 meetings against the Potters, and in recent years, Stoke have won seven and drawn one of their last eight encounters, including a comprehensive 3-0 victory at The Hawthorns in November.

Match Odds: Stoke [1.96], West Brom [4.7], The Draw [3.5]

This will be Hodgson's second crack at beating Stoke at the Britannia Stadium this season but he won't have fond memories of his first attempt - a 2-0 loss during his brief spell as Liverpool boss. The side he has inherited have now gone a club record 25 Premier League games without recording a clean sheet, and that sequence is unlikely to be broken against a physically strong Stoke side who will put the ball into the box at every opportunity.

Stoke have won their last four games at the Britannia whereas West Brom have lost five successive away league games, the last four without scoring. At [1.96] to back Stoke look worthy of a best bet selection given both club's respective home/away form, their excellent record against Albion, and the fact that the Baggies are incapable of keeping a clean sheet - especially on the road (none in 13 league games so far this season).

Over/Under 2.5 Goals

Six of Stoke's last seven league games on home soil have gone the way of Under 2.5 Goals - available to back at [1.86] here - but eight of West Brom's last 11 away league games have ended with Over 2.5 Goals ([2.12]) being the outcome. It's a close one then, but given the better odds on Overs, and the fact that all league games involving Stoke this term have averaged 2.4 goals per game, and for Albion it's 3.22 goals per game, then Over 2.5 Goals has to be the selection.

Stoke are the only side in the Premier League this season not to score a goal in the first 15 minutes, so perhaps In-Play punters might want to wait until this point before backing Over 2.5 Goals. If the score is 0-0 at this point then the odds should drift to around [2.4], but in my opinion, the chances of this bet being successful will still be the same.

Half Time/Full Time

As alluded to above, Stoke don't score early goals; in fact, from the 31 league goals they've scored this term, just seven have been scored in the first half of their games. There's no reason to believe that trend will continue, but given that Hodgson is likely to set his stall out to defend - especially in the early stages - then backing Draw HT/Stoke FT at [5.2] could prove very profitable.

First Goalscorer

John Carew - who could have joined Albion in January - looks to be a shrewd signing by Pulis as it's his height and strength that fits perfectly into Stoke's style of play. It's Carew that I feel will give the away team most problems, so at around [6.8] to back in this market, he is another speculative wager worth having.

Best Bet: Back Stoke at [1.96] to beat West Brom
Back Draw/Stoke at [5.2] in Half Time/Full Time market
Back Over 2.5 Goals In-Play at around [2.4] if score is 0-0 after 15 minutes

*Mike's record on his Best Bets this season is 23 wins from 47 selections resulting in a profit of £68.40 (£10 stake/liability per selection)

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Time for Stoke to play football?

Premier League / Paul Moon / 10 February 2011 / Leave a Comment

Tony Pulis has never been relegated

"Gaining results and preserving Premier League status is everything but would Stoke fans prefer to see their team adopt a more attractive style?"

Paul Moon has mixed feelings about Stoke City's style of football - on the one hand he admires their durability, on the other he fears for the beautiful game...

Without apologies Tony Pulis has fashioned Stoke City into a direct, physical, blood and thunder type team reminiscent of a bygone age. Fans find the approach refreshing, while detractors say it is out of sync with the modern game.

Football is still a contact sport and there is nothing wrong with physicality but if every team embraced this approach the quality of the Premier League and national team would perish overnight.

If you do not play with the requisite levels of competitiveness at the Britannia Stadium you will be bullied and sent home with a bloodied nose - it is not a place for faint hearts. The better players understand the need to combat this characteristic of the game, first as part of a learning curve and secondly to overcome it.

Tony Pulis has often talked about newly promoted clubs having to put their resources into staying up for three seasons before they can begin to think about developing. Does he truly believe this? Stoke won promotion to the Premier League on the last day of the 2007-08 season and are now deep into their third year so can we expect new developments at the Britannia Stadium?

Trying to envisage Pulis swapping a big uncomplicated striker for an artisan challenges the imagination. Initially the signing of Eidur Gudjohnsen looked attention-grabbing and a move in another direction but the 32-year-old Icelander soon admitted he was never likely to fit into the team's style of play. The skilful Tuncay Sanli was another allowed to leave for Wolfsburg for £4.5m in the January transfer window. A net loss of skill quotient from a team would normally be a cause for concern.

Gaining results, preserving Premier League status is the whole caboodle but would Stoke fans prefer to see the team in a slightly less one-dimensional style? Should they aspire to be a better footballing team?

Stoke City is considered to be the second oldest professional football club in the world, after Notts County. The highest they have finished in top tier football was fourth place in 1935-36 and in 1946-47 so their 11th place finish last year represented genuine success.

There is much to admire at Stoke City FC. Thirteen of the 26-man squad is English born and no other team in the Premier League boast so many home-grown players. Honesty and courage have been installed into the heart of the club. These attributes help them punch above their weight. In nearly 20-years as a manager Pulis has never had a side relegated and this is testament to his organisational skills, he clearly has a lot to offer the game.

We could be just months away from seeing whether this current side truly reflects the personality of Pulis, whether he can provide the development he has mentioned or if he is capable of diversification and managing a bigger club. His fourth year in the Premier League will be definitive.

Currently lying in ninth place Stoke are contesting Barclays Premier League - Top 6 Finish 2010/11. Latest Betfair prices show: Chelsea [1.03] Manchester City [1.03] Tottenham [1.05] Liverpool [1.42] Sunderland [6] Everton [6.4] Bolton [9.2] Stoke [11] Aston Villa [13] Newcastle [17] Bar [25].

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