On Friday the 15th of April 2022, 15th placed Stoke City take on 19th placed Bristol City at the Bet365 stadium in the EFL Championship. In the reverse fixture back in November 2021, it was Bristol City that came out on top with a 1-0 home win thanks to a goal from Tyreeq Bakinson. Coming into this game, Stoke won 3-1 away at West Brom and Bristol City drew 1-1 with Peterborough United.
Stoke City won their previous game 3-1 away at West Brom coming into this game. The goals were scored by Jacob Brown, Lewis Baker and an own goal by Jake Livermore. This win leaves Stoke with 15 wins, 10 draws and 16 losses to their name. Stoke are slightly overperforming at the back this season. xGA predicted the Potters to concede 49 goals. However, they have let in two goals less than expected.
The above visual shows the shot map of Stoke City this season from open play. They have missed several big chances close to goal. Perhaps, this explains why the Potters are stuck in midtable mediocrity this campaign. Only one player has hit double figures in goals this season for Stoke and that too barely with 11 goals to his name.
Mario Vrancic is Stoke City’s most successful threat creator this season but most of it has come from corners. From open play, Stoke’s most successful threat creator is Tommy Smith. As a result, both Smith and Vrancic are joint top in the team for assists provided so far this season.
Bristol City come into this game having drawn their previous game 1-1 with bottom-placed Peterborough United. That draw leaves Bristol City with a record of 12 wins, nine draws and 20 losses. The Robins (Bristol City’s nickname) are in the lower mid-table because of their loose backline. According to xGA, Bristol City have the worst defence but the Robins are actually ranked the 3rd worst defence with 73 goals conceded which is the same as what xGA predicted (only Peterborough United and Reading have conceded more).
Given in the above visual is the performances of Bristol City relative to the rest of the league. One third of their shots have hit the target this season putting them in the top quintile. However, they rank between the 50th and 60th percentile in the following categories: goals per 90, xG per 90, assists per 90, progressive runs per 90 and key passes per 90.
This match is a proper mid-table clash with both teams looking to finish the season strongly. Neither team is in danger of relegation nor are they threatening to make the playoffs.
