Coventry City v Stoke City: leaders' promotion charge meets mid-table push | OneFootball

Coventry City host Stoke City in the Championship on Saturday, 28 February 2026 in Coventry, with the leaders aiming to strengthen top spot while the visitors seek a climb towards the top half.

Coventry City beat Stoke City 1-0 away in November in the league, but Stoke City edged the FA Cup tie 1-0 in January. The hosts sit first on 68 points, the visitors are 13th with 47.

Form points to momentum for the leaders. Coventry City have won three straight league games after a draw with Oxford United. Stoke City have one win in their last four league matches, though they drew with Leicester City before beating Oxford United.

In team news, Coventry City list goalkeeper Oliver Dovin and defender Miguel Ángel Brau as injured. Stoke City report Aaron Cresswell, Lewis Baker, Sam Gallagher, Robert Bozenik, Gavin Bazunu, Viktor Johansson, Junior Tchamadeu and Divin Mubama sidelined.

Expect Coventry City's attack to test a usually robust Stoke City defence. The leaders have scored 70 league goals at 2.1 per game, including 14 headers, and deliver with 20.82% open-play cross accuracy from 514 crosses. Haji Wright is on 14 league goals. Stoke City have conceded only 32 and kept 12 clean sheets, while Sorba Thomas carries their threat with nine goals and seven assists.

A win would move Coventry City to 71 points and keep their promotion push on course. Stoke City would reach 50 points with victory and could edge closer to the top half.