Stoke vs Derby: Football Preview & Free Football Betting Tips

Championship • Matchday 1 • Saturday 9 August 2025 • bet365 Stadium

Stoke open the season under their new head coach Nicky Hunt, aiming to improve on last season’s late survival push. Derby County — saved from relegation — arrive with a point to prove under John Eustace. Expect a spirited home atmosphere and vocal away support in a fixture that often delivers surprises.

Stoke tend to set up in a controlled 4-2-3-1, focusing on structure and exploiting set pieces. Derby, meanwhile, like to press aggressively through a 4-3-3 shape, looking to win the ball high and transition quickly. It could be a tactical chess match.

Stoke City: Goalkeeper Viktor Johansson, last season’s player of the year, starts in goal. Defender Harry Souttar remains sidelined with injury, while Sam Clucas returns to midfield. Likely XI: Johansson; Coufal, Wilson, O’Neill, Trippier; Clucas, Kazenga LuaLua; Crouch, Samatta, Moffat.

Derby County: No fresh injury concerns reported. Central midfield anchor Ebou Adams is fit after being player of the season. Likely XI: Benson; Keogh, Castle, May; Adams, Flanagan, Turnbull; Johnson, Iorfa; Sinclair, Quansah.

Stoke City (2024–25): 12-15-19, scored 45 (0.98/game), conceded 62 (1.35/game). Home record stronger than away, momentum came after December. Derby County: 13-11-22, goals 48 (1.04/game), conceded 56 (1.22/game). A late-season rally helped to secure safety.

Team	GF (per game)	GA (per game)	BTTS % (est.)
Stoke City	0.98	1.35	~55%
Derby County	1.04	1.22	~50%

Stoke at home: A strong 8-9-6 record, where solidity helped them shut down opponents. Derby away: Struggled seriously on the road — 4-6-13 away from Pride Park, leaking goals late under pressure.

Stoke: Viktor Johansson’s shot-stopping kept them up. Sam Clucas brings energy and leadership in midfield. Derby: Ebou Adams won multiple end-of-season awards for his midfield presence. Jerry Yates’s movement and finishing are dangerous. The battle between Clucas and Adams will be key.

Stoke’s home advantage and higher motivation under a new coach edge them in a tight contest. Expect a physical, chippy fixture settled by set-pieces. Prediction: Stoke City 1–0 Derby County.

Main Bet: Both Teams To Score – No, both sides struggle to average one goal a game. Value Bet: Under 3.0 Goals – tight game expected with few clear-cut chances.