Stoke vs Sheff Wed predictions & betting tips

Stoke City face a crucial test in their Championship campaign as they welcome Sheffield Wednesday to the bet365 Stadium on Friday, 18 April 2025. With relegation fears mounting, Stoke sit 18th in the table and are desperate for points to secure their survival. Sheffield Wednesday, currently 14th, are looking to consolidate their mid-table position and build momentum for next season. Both sides arrive in poor form—Stoke have managed just two wins in their last six matches, while Wednesday are winless in five.

Defensive frailties have plagued Stoke throughout the season, reflected in their -11 goal difference. Sheffield Wednesday, while more stable, have their own defensive concerns, with a goal difference of -8. Key players could prove decisive, with Lewis Baker leading Stoke’s scoring charts with six goals, while Josh Windass has been pivotal for Wednesday, netting 11 times this term. Both will aim to exploit the defensive vulnerabilities of the other.

The head-to-head record between these two is finely balanced, with five wins each and nine draws from their last 19 meetings. However, recent clashes have favoured Wednesday, including a 2-0 victory in their most recent encounter. Stoke’s home advantage could be a factor, but their inconsistent form raises doubts about their ability to deliver under pressure. Meanwhile, Sheffield Wednesday’s solid away record, averaging 1.5 goals per game, adds an extra layer of intrigue to this fixture.

As the relegation battle heats up, this match could define Stoke’s season while shaping Wednesday's future ambitions. Both teams must overcome their recent struggles to claim a vital win. With so much on the line, expect a tense, tactical affair where a single moment of brilliance might prove the difference.

Stoke City - Sheffield Wednesday Key Facts

• Sheffield Wednesday have lost just 1 of their last 5 encounters against Stoke City in all competitions, indicating a strong recent head-to-head advantage that could influence betting on their performance.

• Stoke have only managed to win 1 of their last 5 Championship matches against Sheffield Wednesday, suggesting a concerning trend for punters considering backing Stoke in this fixture.

• Wednesday have not won in their last 4 games but remain unbeaten in their last 4 away matches, highlighting their resilience on the road, which may sway betting decisions in their favour.

Betting Predictions

Primary Bet:Over 2.5 goals @ 11/10

The primary bet on "over 2.5 goals" is underpinned by a robust statistical probability of 74%, indicating a strong chance of a high-scoring encounter. Stoke City have averaged 1.46 goals per match at home this season, while Sheffield Wednesday have managed an average of 1.5 goals per match on their travels, reflecting both sides' attacking potential. Sheffield Wednesday’s defensive struggles, having conceded in each of their last five fixtures, further strengthen the case for multiple goals in this clash. While the historical average of 1.2 goals per meeting between these teams suggests otherwise, current form and defensive vulnerabilities point towards a more open and goal-laden affair this time around.

Secondary Bet:Both Teams To Score: Yes @ 83/100

The secondary bet on "both teams to score" is equally appealing, with a 54.18% probability based on recent form. Sheffield Wednesday’s defensive frailties, coupled with Stoke City's knack for scoring late goals, make this a solid option. Although Stoke have occasionally faltered in front of goal at home, their overall scoring record, combined with Sheffield Wednesday’s inability to keep a clean sheet, adds significant value to this selection. The competitive nature of their past encounters, which include nine draws in their last 19 meetings, further supports the expectation that both sides will find the net.