Stoke vs West Brom predictions: Tough to split Midlands duo
- These sides drew 23 league games between them in last season's Championship
- Both meetings between these teams last term finished as draws
- Recommended bet: Draw
Stoke and West Brom have both made solid enough starts to the new Championship season and they will be hoping it is a case of onwards and upwards when they clash in Staffordshire on Saturday.
The Potters, looking to improve on last term's underwhelming 17th-placed finish, began the season with a resolute 1-0 win over Coventry at home before they were outclassed in a 3-0 defeat to Watford last Saturday.
West Brom, meanwhile, will be looking to at least emulate last term's appearance in the play-offs and they have started with a win away to QPR and a home draw with Leeds either side of an EFL Cup defeat to Fleetwood.
Team news
Defender Michael Rose remains out for Stoke, meaning Ben Wilmot and Ben Gibson are likely to start in the centre of defence again.
West Brom captain Jed Wallace should be available next month but the winger is expected to miss out again this weekend.
The stats
These teams drew 23 league matches between them last season and eight of West Brom's road games finished all square, including the corresponding fixture in April.
Both teams scored in 13 of West Brom's 23 league matches away from home last campaign.
Two of Stoke's opening three matches this season featured under 2.5 goals.
Midfielder John Swift struck nine goals in the Championship last term and will again be key for the Baggies.
Prediction
Teams are still finding their feet at this stage of the season and Saturday's encounter in Staffordshire could well end all square.
West Brom are the stronger side on paper, having finished 12 places and 19 points better off than Stoke in the Championship last term.
But personnel has changed at both clubs and the Baggies are without captain Jed Wallace.
And while their draw with promotion favourites Leeds should be regarded as a positive result, it was a pretty underwhelming contest with each side managing just one shot on target.
Josh Maja bagged a hat-trick away to QPR in West Brom's opener and will be a threat but Stoke should have enough about them to secure a point on home soil.
There should be no shortage of incentive from the Potters, who will be desperate to make amends for their 3-0 loss to Watford last time out.
And it is worth noting that both meetings between Stoke and West Brom in last season's Championship finished as draws, so the Midlands rivalry could once again generate a cagey contest.
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