Preview: Stoke City vs West Bromwich Albion - prediction, team news, lineups

In what could be a crucial match in the race for promotion from the Championship, Stoke City are set to face West Bromwich Albion at the bet365 Stadium on Saturday.

The Potters are looking to continue their 100% record in the league, while the Baggies are hoping to prolong their unbeaten start.

Match preview

Stoke finished the 2024-25 season in 18th place, but they have made a flying start in the second tier this term under Mark Robins.

The Potters have won all three of their Championship matches so far, only staining their flawless record with a 3-0 EFL Cup thrashing at the hands of Bradford City on Tuesday.

Last time out in the league, Robins's side took all three points in a 2-1 victory over Southampton at St Mary's, thanks to goals from Lewis Baker and Sorba Thomas.

That win has Stoke top of the table with nine points, and they are establishing themselves as serious contenders for promotion, though they are level with second-placed Middlesbrough.

Playing at the bet365 Stadium on Saturday, the Potters will be hoping to earn their third home win of the season and prove that their defeat earlier this week was a one-off.

Meanwhile, Ryan Mason's West Brom finished last season four points short of making the playoffs, but they will be confident of making it into the top six this time around, especially after their strong start.

The Baggies are yet to taste defeat in the Championship in 2025-26, and after two wins and a draw, they now sit fourth in the table, two points from top spot.

Last Saturday, Mason's men followed up their 3-2 win against Wrexham by earning a point in a 1-1 stalemate with Portsmouth, and the manager will be disappointed that his team were unable to hold onto the lead that Mikey Johnston gave them midway through the first half.

However, despite the visitors' commendable opening to the campaign, their travelling record in 2025 has been dire, and fans may be concerned given that their triumph over the Red Dragons on August 16 was their only away win across all competitions this year.

Another three points could take West Brom into the automatic promotion places this weekend, but defeat could see them slip down as far as 10th in a worst-case scenario.

Stoke City Championship form:

Stoke City form (all competitions):

West Bromwich Albion Championship form:

West Bromwich Albion form (all competitions):

Team News

Stoke will welcome striker Divin Mubama back into the XI this weekend after he served a suspension against Bradford, and the forward's return will be a major boost given the injuries to Sam Gallagher and Lamine Cisse.

Backing up Mubama will be Million Manhoef and Sorba Thomas from out wide, as well as Bae Jun-ho from an attacking midfield position.

As for West Brom, they will be without striker Daryl Dike due to a thigh injury, so expect to see Aune Selland Heggebo start on Saturday.

The Baggies are also missing attacking midfielder Tammer Bany, and Issac Price should start behind the centre-forward, flanked by Tom Fellows and Mikey Johnston.

Stoke City possible starting lineup:

Johansson; Tchamadeu, Lawal, Wilmot, Cresswell; Seko, Baker; Manhoef, Bae, Thomas; Mubama

West Bromwich Albion possible starting lineup:

Griffiths; Furlong, Phillips, Campbell, Styles; Molumby, Mowatt; Fellows, Price, Johnston; Heggebo