Stoke City welcome Luton Town in a crucial match with significant implications at the Championship’s bottom, as both teams fight to avoid relegation to League One.
With just six games remaining, the Championship relegation battle is intensifying. Luton Town currently sit 23rd, two points behind safety, but they are unbeaten in their last four matches, including an impressive 1-1 draw with Leeds United. Stoke City are in 20th, two points clear of the drop zone, having secured back-to-back home wins.
Both clubs face an unthinkable fall from grace. Stoke were a steady Premier League club until their 2018 relegation, while Luton, who were in the Premier League last season, are now in danger of back-to-back relegations.
In the reverse fixture earlier this season, Luton’s Elijah Adebayo scored a last-minute winner to secure all three points for the Hatters. Since then, both teams have changed managers. Mark Robins replaced Narcis Pelach at Stoke, while Matt Bloomfield took over from Rob Edwards at Luton.
This match will have huge consequences, as the winner will take a significant step toward survival, while the losing side could be on the brink of relegation to League One.
Team News
Stoke City
Stoke have seen several key players return from injury, including Million Manhoef, Ben Pearson, Sam Gallagher, and Ali Al-Hamadi. However, Josh Wilson-Esbrand and Enda Stevens are both still unavailable. After a 3-1 win over QPR, Stoke earned a point against Preston North End, with a penalty from Lewis Baker. Mark Robins will likely keep his lineup similar to ensure the home crowd’s support.
Luton Town
Luton will be without several players due to injury, including Elijah Adebayo, who picked up an injury in the draw with Leeds. Jacob Brown, Marvelous Nakamba, Shandon Baptiste, and Teden Mengi are also sidelined. Tahith Chong, who replaced Adebayo against Leeds, will likely start. Luton’s recent 3-5-2 formation has given them defensive stability, and it will likely be used again against Stoke.
Likely Lineups
Stoke City: Johansson; Tchamadeu, Phillips, Wilmot, Bocat; Pearson, Burger; Manhoef, Baker, Junho; Gallagher
Luton Town: Kaminski; Bell, McGuiness, Makosso; Jones, Clark, Aasgaard, Walsh, Doughty; Morris, Chong
Key Players
Stoke City: Lewis Baker
Since returning from his loan at Blackburn Rovers, Baker has been vital for Stoke, contributing five league goals. His driving runs and defensive work are key to Stoke’s survival hopes. His contract expires at the end of the season, making this a crucial period for him.
Luton Town: Carlton Morris
With key players absent, Luton’s top scorer, Carlton Morris, will be tasked with leading the attack. Although his form has dipped, failing to score since February, Morris’s leadership and goal-scoring ability will be essential if Luton are to secure points.
Match Details
Where: Bet365 Stadium
Kick-off: 19:45 BST on Tuesday, 8th April 2025
How to Watch: The match will be available on Sky Sports+
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