Stoke City v Sheffield United: play-off push meets survival fight | OneFootball

Stoke City host Sheffield United in the Championship on Monday, 29 December 2025 in Stoke-on-Trent, with the hosts eyeing the play-off picture and the visitors seeking breathing space after Sheffield United's 4-0 win earlier this month.

Stoke City are looking to respond to that result, with the head to head also leaning the same way: Sheffield United have won six of the past 10 meetings. The reverse on 6 December ended 4-0 at Bramall Lane.

Stoke City's recent run shows three defeats in five, though they held Preston to a goalless draw last time out. The Blades have two wins in five, including 3-0 against Birmingham, but lost 5-3 at Wrexham in their most recent outing.

Stoke City are without Aaron Cresswell, Lewis Baker and Eric Junior Bocat. The Blades list absentees include defenders Ben Mee and Ben Godfrey, plus Tom Davies, Chiedozie Ogbene and Sydie Peck, which could limit Chris Wilder's options across the back line and midfield.

Stoke City have conceded 21 in 23 with eight clean sheets, averaging 54% possession and 80.77% pass accuracy, so a controlled approach could suit them. Sorba Thomas has eight league goals and five assists. The Blades average 1.3 goals per game but have shipped 36. Callum O'Hare leads their supply with five assists and 11 goal contributions. Neither side has scored from set pieces this season, so open play combinations may decide the game.

Stoke City sit 10th on 34 points. A win would take them to 37 and could move them closer to the play-off places. The Blades are 19th on 26. Victory would lift them to 29 and help them pull away from the relegation fight.