Stoke City v Oxford United: mid-table stability meets relegation fight | OneFootball

Stoke City host Oxford United in the Championship on Wednesday, 25 February 2026 in Stoke-on-Trent, with Mark Robins' side aiming to halt a winless run while the visitors chase points to climb out of the relegation places.

Stoke City sit 16th on 44 points and won the reverse fixture 3-0 in November 2025. Oxford United are 23rd with 29 points and in the drop zone, so any result here carries clear survival stakes.

Both arrive winless in five league games. Stoke City drew 2-2 with Leicester last time out, while Oxford United earned a 0-0 at Middlesbrough, ending a three-match losing streak in the league.

Team news is significant on both sides. Stoke City list Lewis Baker, Sam Gallagher, Robert Bozenik, Gavin Bazunu, Viktor Johansson, Junior Tchamadeu and Divin Mubama as injured. Oxford United are without Greg Leigh, Hidde ter Avest, Brian De Keersmaecker, Tyler Goodhram, Nik Prelec, Brodie Spencer and Jamie McDonnell.

On the pitch, Stoke City have tended to keep the ball more, averaging 53% possession with 79.63% pass accuracy and 12 clean sheets this season. Sorba Thomas has been the chief threat with nine league goals and six assists. Oxford United average 41% possession and 71.13% passing, have scored 28 and conceded 44, and could look to make use of their crossing (18.01% accuracy) and strength in the air.

A home win would lift Stoke City to 47 points and could nudge them further from danger. Victory for Oxford United would take them to 32 points and could be a major boost to their survival bid.