This Week's Opposition: Stoke City

A closer look at The Potters with Pompey Live host Jake Smith.

With Championship safety now officially secured, the Blues have 2 more games to wrap the season up.

First up: Stoke City for the final away match of the campaign.

MANAGER

The Potters are managed by former Coventry City boss Mark Robins.

The 56-year-old was sacked by Coventry in November 2024 after over 7-and-a-half years in charge and was appointed by his new employer last January.

Since taking charge, Robins has overseen 71 matches but has lost (29) more than he has won (23), accruing a win percentage of 32.4.

ONE TO WATCH

This weekend, we’ve selected Dutch winger Million Manhoef as our ‘One To Watch’.

He wears the number 42 shirt for The Potters, is 24-years-of-age, and has 12 goal contributions this season - 7 being goals and 5 assists.

Manhoef joined Stoke from Dutch side Vitesse for an undisclosed fee in February 2024.

TOP SCORER

Netting 10 league goals so far, Welsh international Sorba Thomas goes into this match holding the club’s top scorer accolade.

The winger, who wears the number 7 red and white striped shirt, has also claimed 10 league assists.

CURRENT FORM

Despite starting the season so well and occupying the top 6 for the vast majority of the first half, Stoke have found themselves once again nestled in the bottom half of the table.

They sit 17th on 55 points, 4 ahead of Portsmouth and having not won any of their last 4 games.

Last time out in midweek, The Potters were beaten 3-1 on home turf by Millwall.

The reverse of this fixture back at Fratton Park in October ended in a 1-0 win for Stoke thanks to a Hayden Matthews own goal.

A win for John Mousinho’s side this time around would see them reach last season’s points total of 54 with a game to spare - Will they manage it?

Jake Smith, David Howes and James Wilson will be on hand to provide full coverage of Stoke City vs Portsmouth LIVE from the bet365 Stadium between 2-6pm on Express FM.

Kick-off: 3pm!