Stoke City vs Sheffield United prediction 29.12.2025 | Championship

The Potters’ league position tells a story of steady progress. Thirty-four points from 23 matches places Mark Robins’ side firmly in the top half, a far cry from the anxious finishes of recent seasons.

Results lately have wobbled a bit, with just one win in six, so this is not a team flying. However, home form offers reassurance. Only two defeats across the last nine at the Bet365 Stadium, with five wins mixed in, gives Stoke reason to feel confident on familiar ground.

Up front, goals are spread rather than forced through one channel. Sorba Thomas remains the leading scorer, supported by Million Manhoef and a Manchester City loanee who has chipped in with four league goals.

Bosun Lawal is still sidelined with a long-running hamstring issue, now stretching to 16 missed games, which slightly limits Robins’ defensive options.

Sheffield United arrive in a much shakier state. The Blades looked briefly in control at Wrexham, scoring inside seven minutes, but the night unraveled quickly and ended in a 5-3 defeat. It was the kind of game that sticks in the mind for the wrong reasons.

Away from Bramall Lane, defending has become a recurring problem. Chris Wilder’s side have now conceded at least twice in three straight road matches, and only two wins from the last six away trips underline the issue.

There is little margin for error here, especially with Gustavo Hamer suspended after his latest booking. Jamie Shackleton and Louie Barry remain sidelined as well, both dealing with lingering foot and knee injuries.

Going forward, options are thinner than Wilder would like, though not completely bare. Patrick Bamford is likely to lead the line, supported by Andre Brooks and Chong. It is not a trio that guarantees goals, but on the right night, it can still cause problems.