{"id":1439634,"date":"2026-03-19T14:11:39","date_gmt":"2026-03-19T14:11:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?post_type=news&p=1439634"},"modified":"2026-03-19T14:11:41","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T14:11:41","slug":"match-preview-preston-vs-stoke-20-03-26-championship","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/match-preview-preston-vs-stoke-20-03-26-championship\/","title":{"rendered":"Preston North End vs Stoke City: predictions, stats, tips & odds"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Preston North End<\/a> and Stoke City<\/a> meet at Deepdale for a Championship<\/a> clash that could define their late-season ambitions. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These two sides have been closely matched in recent meetings, but Stoke arrive with a technical edge and higher league standing, while Preston seek to shake a recent sequence of stalemates in this fixture. Kick-off is set for 20:00 on Friday, with both teams eager to pull clear of mid-table obscurity as the campaign nears its conclusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Best Bets & Predictions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Based on season-long performance metrics and head-to-head trends, here are our top betting recommendations for this match. We’re particularly confident in Stoke City getting a result due to their superior shot and pass accuracy, and their record of turning technical dominance into points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Our Prediction<\/th>\nOdds & Bookmaker<\/th>\nConfidence<\/th>\nWhy We’re Backing It<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Stoke City Double Chance (Win or Draw)<\/strong><\/td>\n7\/4 @ Bet365<\/a>
(36.4%)<\/td>\n		\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td>\nWe are backing Stoke City to avoid defeat, with more goals scored, more clean sheets, and greater creative output this term. The Potters have the higher shot and pass accuracy, and have lost just one of their last six away games to Preston.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Under 2.5 Goals<\/strong><\/td>\n4\/5 @ Bet365<\/a>
(55.6%)<\/td>\n		\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td>\nThere could be value here due to five of the last six meetings ending with two or fewer goals, and both teams averaging just above one goal per game this season. Both sides have kept 21 clean sheets between them, signalling a cagey affair.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.<\/small><\/p>\n\n\n

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    Season Form & Standings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Both teams are battling to finish in the top half, with Stoke edging ahead. The Potters sit 13th on 51 points, while Preston are 17th with 49 points. Neither side has found consistent form, but Stoke\u2019s superior goal difference (+5 to Preston\u2019s -6) provides a small cushion as the finishing line approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Team<\/th>\nPos<\/th>\nP<\/th>\nW<\/th>\nD<\/th>\nL<\/th>\nGF<\/th>\nGA<\/th>\nGD<\/th>\nPts<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    Stoke City<\/td>\n13<\/td>\n38<\/td>\n14<\/td>\n9<\/td>\n15<\/td>\n45<\/td>\n40<\/td>\n+5<\/td>\n51<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Preston North End<\/td>\n17<\/td>\n38<\/td>\n12<\/td>\n13<\/td>\n13<\/td>\n42<\/td>\n48<\/td>\n-6<\/td>\n49<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

    Potential Match-Winners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n