Stoke City vs Huddersfield Town Prediction: Huddersfield badly need a win

Stoke will welcome Huddersfield at Bet365 Stadium in Game Week 40 of the English Championship. Huddersfield badly need a win to move out of relegation zone. Who will come out on top after 90 minutes?

In March, Steven Schumacher's Stoke City experienced a consistent pattern in their Championship matches, alternating between losses and wins. After defeats to Leeds United and Norwich City before the international break, Stoke bounced back with victories over Middlesbrough and Preston North End. Following a two-week break, Stoke secured an important win against playoff contenders Hull, with two goals in the second half sealing the victory. Despite some initial skepticism from fans, Schumacher's tactics proved successful, earning Stoke nine points from their last six matches and keeping them in 17th place in the Championship. Stoke's upcoming match against a relegation-threatened team will be crucial as they aim to secure their position in the league. Their recent home record has been less than stellar, with only two wins in their last 12 matches and eight games where they failed to score. Schumacher will be looking to improve on this record and build on the team's recent success.

Iversen; Hoever, McNally, Rose, Stevens; Leris, Thompson, Cundle, Haksabanovic; Laurent, Mmaee

However, both Schumacher and Stoke have a great chance to break their losing streaks against a struggling Huddersfield team. Ellis Simms scored two goals early on in the match, and Rhys Healey added another in the second half for Huddersfield. Despite their efforts, Haji Wright sealed the win for Schumacher and Stoke with a late goal. Huddersfield's new head coach Andre Breitenreiter has only managed to secure two points out of a possible 15 in recent matches, leaving them in 22nd place in the standings. Huddersfield is currently below the relegation line and is only staying ahead of Birmingham City due to goal difference. Stoke drew 2-2 with Huddersfield in their last meeting in September, but Huddersfield has lost their last three games at the bet365 Stadium.

Nicholls; Spencer, Pearson, Helik; Wiles, Rudoni, Matos, Hogg, Headley; Thomas, Healey

Before facing Hull, Stoke suffered injuries to Ben Pearson and Lynden Gooch, with both possibly out for the rest of the season after hamstring issues in the loss to Norwich. Junior Tchamadeu is recovering well, while Wouter Burger is back from suspension and available. Huddersfield's Tom Edwards can't play against Stoke, but injuries may force Brodie Spencer into a central defensive role. Sorba Thomas returns from suspension for Huddersfield, but Kian Harratt is banned. Stoke's starting lineup may remain unchanged, while Huddersfield's substitutes impressed in their last game. Despite Huddersfield's potential threats, Stoke is favored to take advantage of their defensive vulnerabilities.