Stoke vs Derby Prediction 09.08.2025
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Stoke vs Derby Prediction
Stoke vs Derby Prediction and Betting Tips for the opening round of the 2025/26 EFL Championship, kicking off Saturday at Bet365 Stadium. These two clubs were dangerously close to relegation last season, just one point apart, but both come into the new campaign with fresh faces and new ambition. In this preview, we break down team news, form, and Championship Predictions worth watching.
- Stoke have won two of their last three pre-season matches, including a 1-0 win over Burnley.
- Derby finished just one point below Stoke last season, nearly slipping into League One.
- The Rams have won four of six pre-season games and seem to be finding some early rhythm.
- Key new signings for both sides could make their debuts in this Championship opener.
Stoke’s 18th-place finish last season doesn’t inspire much confidence, but recent signs suggest a corner may be turning. Mark Robins’ side ended pre-season unbeaten in three, including a gritty 1-0 victory over Premier League side Burnley. There’s a fresh feel to the squad now, with experienced left-back Aaron Cresswell joining on a free, and young striker Divin Mubama arriving on loan from Manchester City. That blend of experience and youthful promise could finally give the Potters some attacking edge they lacked last term.
Still, let’s not get carried away. Stoke lost 19 games last season and scored only 45 goals. Even with a more settled defense, they’ll need to find consistency, fast. Junior Tchamadeu remains a bright spot, expected to be one of their most reliable starters again. There’s no major injury news heading into the weekend, which is a plus. But will their new signings click right away? Hard to say. Opening day nerves can do funny things to a team still learning to gel.
As for Derby, they were even closer to disaster, finishing just one point above the drop. But there’s genuine optimism in John Eustace’s camp. The Rams took four wins from six pre-season games and come into this with some real momentum. Their major coup is Patrick Agyemang from Charlotte FC, a versatile attacker, though he’s a doubt for this match. If he can’t go, look for Carlton Morris to step in, bringing that much-needed physical presence up top. It’s also a new-look defense with Danny Batth likely to debut.
That said, Derby have their own problems. Injuries have hit hard, with key players like Matt Clarke and Curtis Nelson ruled out. But they’ve shown resilience, grinding out results on the road and beating Stoke twice in their last four league meetings. If Eustace can channel that spirit and inject some early belief, Derby might just have the edge. Then again, this is the Championship, nothing’s ever that simple. Expect a cagey, physical battle between two sides still trying to find their identity.
Championship Predictions like this one are rarely straightforward, especially when both sides are hungry to start fresh after last season’s struggles. All eyes on Bet365 this Saturday.
The combo bet 1X & Over 1.5 Goals makes a lot of sense for this Championship opener between two sides still rebuilding. Stoke have the edge in terms of squad stability and match fitness, they’re playing at home, have gone unbeaten in their last three pre-season games, and picked up a confidence-boosting 1-0 win over Premier League side Burnley. They’ve also lost just once in their last six home league matches. Derby may have had a decent pre-season too, but they’re missing several key players, especially in defense, which could hurt them at this level. That said, they’ve still managed to score in five of their last six matches, showing they can be dangerous going forward. With new attacking signings like Divin Mubama for Stoke and Carlton Morris for Derby, there’s every chance we see goals. Stoke are unlikely to lose, and Over 1.5 Goals looks well within reach based on form and squad news.
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