Stoke vs Preston prediction 26.12.2025 | Championship

Stoke come into Thursday's Boxing Day clash in a downward spiral after another defeat suffered in their most recent Championship fixture. Mark Robins' men slipped to a 1:0 setback at Watford last weekend, with Luca Kjerrumgaard's late goal securing the points at Vicarage Road. 

Having made an excellent start to their season, the Potters have gone badly off the boil in recent weeks. Stoke lost six of their last eight Championship matches. They had lost only three of their first 14 fixtures.

While usually strong at bet365 Stadium, Robins' side have been beaten in two of their last four home fixtures, and they should be wary of the threat posed by the in-form away side.

Head coach Robins has one confirmed absentee this week. Bosun Lawal remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Preston make the trip to bet365 Stadium with plenty of optimism despite being held to a 1:1 draw against Norwich last weekend. Will Keane's goal - six minutes into stoppage time - rescued a point for the Lilywhites.

An impressive run of form sees the visitors unbeaten in all but one of their last 11 Championship fixtures. Paul Heckingbottom's side won five and drew five of those games, leaving them fifth in the division, and inside the playoff spots. 

Strong on the road, Preson have picked up wins in three of their last five away fixtures and they will fancy their chances against a Stoke side that seems to have lost their early-season form. 

Head coach Heckingbottom has a handful of potential absentees this week. Robbie Brady, Jordan Thompson, Will Keane, Lewis Gibson and Josh Seary are likely to remain sidelined for the visitors.