Stoke City head to the Kassam Stadium to face Oxford United this weekend in their latest Championship outing.
Stoke City have won two and lost two of their opening four fixtures of this season to date. They won 1-0 away at Plymouth Argyle in their last outing before the international break with winger Million Manhoef on the scoresheet.
The Potters had a busy summer transfer window in the end and brought in the likes of Tom Cannon, Lewis Koumas, Andy Moran and Ashley Phillips, among others, to bolster their ranks and add more quality to the options at the disposal of manager Steven Schumacher.
They also cut ties with players such as Tom Edwards, Tyrese Campbell and Wesley to free up space and funds to pave the way for their new arrivals.
Oxford United have adapted well to life in the second tier following their promotion from League One. They beat Bolton Wanderers 2-0 in the play-off final at Wembley.
Des Buckingham’s men beat Preston North End 3-1 in their last match. Mark Harris, Tyler Goodrham and Greg Leigh got their goals against the Lilywhites.
Here, a handful of our writers make their predictions for the game…
Harry Mail
“Stoke City are hoping that they can challenge at the top end of the table this season under Steven Schumacher.
“They haven’t made a bad start to the new campaign and it would get even better for them if they could get three points this weekend. They will be in confident mood after winning at Plymouth Argyle before the international break.
“You never know what Potters’ side are going to show up though. They lost 3-0 at Watford last month and were also beaten at home by West Brom.
“Oxford United could cause problems for them and are carrying momentum after their promotion. They have won both of their home outings this term against Norwich City and Preston North End and I think they could make it three wins on the spin at the Kassam Stadium.”
Prediction: Oxford United 2-1 Stoke City
James Ray
“I think it’s been a pleasant surprise for many seeing how Oxford United have fared in the Championship.
“It was expected that they would really struggle despite some good recruitment but with two wins in their first four games, they’ve shown they’re not to be written off. And, against an inconsistent and unpredictable Stoke City side, the hosts are definitely capable of claiming another win.
“The Potters should be feeling good after the win over Plymouth Argyle before the break but the Kassam Stadium is going to be a tough place to go. They’re going to have to be improved in attack if they’re to get something.
“Oxford have been in some entertaining games and I can see another here, with the two sides ending level.”