Prediction for match Stoke City — Preston

Odds and Probability Percentages for the Match Outcome

In the English Championship on December 26, Stoke City will face Preston North End. Bookmakers have set the odds for a Stoke City win at 2.14, a draw at 3.18, and a Preston North End victory at 3.50. In terms of probability, Stoke City is given a 43.78% chance, a draw 29.46%, and Preston North End 26.77%. These figures reflect a moderate preference for Stoke City, but the gap between the teams isn't significant, promising an exciting contest. The odds for total goals and both teams to score are also quite close, indicating no clear favorite in terms of attacking potential.

Team Results and Statistics

In their last five matches, Stoke City has averaged 54.8% possession, 2 yellow cards, 12.8 fouls, and 3.6 offsides per game. Preston North End lags in possession (44%) but is less aggressive with 1.4 yellow cards, 9.8 fouls, and 2 offsides. In their recent matches, Stoke City lost to Watford 0-1, defeated Swansea City 2-1, and lost to Ipswich Town 0-1. Preston North End drew 1-1 with Norwich City, beat Oxford United 2-1, and drew 1-1 with Coventry. The last head-to-head meeting on April 5, 2025, ended in a 1-1 draw.

Team Goal Scoring Trends

In their last five matches, Stoke City has an average total of 2.4 goals, scoring 0.6 and conceding 1.8 per game. Preston North End has higher figures with an average of 2.8 goals, scoring 1.6 and conceding 1.2. Stoke City has seen over 2.5 goals in 3 out of 5 matches, while Preston North End has seen it in 2 out of 5. Both teams rarely see more than 1.5 goals in the first half (1 out of 5), but in the second half, Preston North End has seen over 1.5 goals in 4 out of 5, and Stoke City in 2 out of 5. Stoke City most frequently scores between the 31st and 45th minute (33%), while Preston North End scores between the 76th and 90th minute (43%). Stoke City concedes most goals in the final minutes (76-90, 67%), while Preston North End's conceded goals are more spread but also notable in the final moments (25%). Considering Preston North End's consistent scoring and Stoke City's tendency to concede almost two goals per game, it makes sense to consider over 2.0 goals at 1.56 as the main prediction. This is supported by the average scoring of both sides and frequent overs in the second half.

Analysis of Corner Totals

Over the last five matches, Stoke City averages 5.8 corners, while Preston North End averages 7, totaling 12.8. In 4 out of 5 matches, Stoke City has seen over 9.5 corners, while Preston North End has seen it in 3 out of 5. The most comparable line to the average sum is 9.5 corners: over 9.5 corners at 1.81, under 9.5 at 1.90. Stoke City is favored in corners with odds of 1.56. Given the high average for corners, it makes sense to consider a bet on over 9.5 corners, especially considering the frequency of overs for both teams. Also, Stoke City's advantage in corners is worth considering.