Stoke City U21 vs Fulham U21 prediction 23.03.2026 | Premier League 2

Things look rough for Stoke City’s youngsters right now. The Potters are stuck in an eight-game losing run, and it’s not just the defeats, it’s how they’re happening.

Thirty-one goals conceded, only seven scored. That’s the kind of imbalance that’s difficult to explain away as bad luck. Liam Lawrence, still in interim charge, has a few headaches to deal with.

Favour Fawunmi, their top scorer with five goals, is unavailable due to a youth loan spell at Leyton Orient, which feels like a bigger loss than it might seem on paper. There are small positives, maybe.

Adriel Walker has chipped in with three goals and looked lively midweek, while Chinonso Chibueze, who has two, should lead the line again. Even so, confidence at home is shaky after three straight losses there.

Fulham’s youngsters come into this with a slightly different mood, though not entirely comfortable either.

The Whites had built some rhythm with wins over Brighton and Burnley, so that recent 2-1 loss, after leading for a good stretch, probably stung more than usual. Hayden Mullins will want a reaction, no question. Still, away form raises a quiet concern.

Two defeats in their last three on the road suggests this isn’t a side that travels effortlessly. There’s also the absence of Aaron Loupalo-Bi, their top scorer with nine goals, currently out on loan at Walsall.

That said, Farhaan Ali Wahid has stepped up impressively. Eight goals from wide areas is no small return, and he’s likely to be the focal point in attack again here.