Match Summary
Preston defeated Stoke City 3:1. The match was played in Championship 2025. Goals were scored by S. Thomas 4′, A. Devine 15′, M. Osmajic 57′, A. Devine 60′. 3 yellow cards were shown. Preston had 46% possession while Stoke City held 54%. Preston had 13 shots (3 on target) compared to 13 (2 on target) for Stoke City. Expected goals: Preston 2.81 — Stoke City 0.99. Preston made 5 substitutions, Stoke City made 4.
Match Events
Key match events between Preston and Stoke City — 4 goals and 3 cards recorded during the match.
assist: J. Tchamadeu
assist: A. Moran
assist: L. Dobbin
assist: M. Osmajic
Match Statistics
Preston had 46% possession against Stoke City's 54%. Preston registered 13 shots (3 on target) while Stoke City managed 13 (2 on target). Corner kicks: 7–9. Fouls committed: 12–7.
Lineups
Preston lined up in a 3-1-4-2 formation, while Stoke City deployed a 4-2-3-1.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Preston is 6.85, compared to 6.79 for Stoke City. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Preston's highest-rated starter is Benjamin Whiteman (7.12), while Stoke City's best-rated player is Sorba Thomas (7.03).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Preston have contributed 18 goals and 17 assists this season, led by Milutin Osmajić (8G). Stoke City's starters account for 18 goals and 16 assists, spearheaded by Sorba Thomas (10G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Preston deploy 3 defenders rated 6.82 on average, against Stoke City's 4-man backline averaging 6.78. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Preston field 5 midfielders averaging 6.91, versus Stoke City's 5 rated 6.91. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Preston start 2 forward(s) averaging 6.76, compared to 1 for Stoke City averaging —. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 70% for Preston and 72% for Stoke City. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Preston's starters have collected 37 yellow cards this season, compared to 30 for Stoke City. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Preston's starting XI is 28.0 (youngest: Lewis Dobbin (22), oldest: Andrew Hughes (33)), while Stoke City average 23.0 (youngest: Ashley Phillips (20), oldest: Eric Bocat (26)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Preston's starters average 30 league appearances each, versus 28 for Stoke City. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Preston have recorded 1 wins, 1 draws and 4 defeats. Stoke City show 2 wins, 1 draws and 3 losses from their last 6 outings.
Preston
Stoke City
Head to Head
Preston and Stoke City have met 1 times — Preston won 0, Stoke City won 0, with 1 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. A combined 0 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 0.00 per match (0 for the home side, 0 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 0 matches (0%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 0 games (0%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals.
0
Preston
1
Drawn
0
Stoke City
Recent Meetings (1)
API data: 22 Mar 2026