Stoke City kick off their 2026-27 Championship campaign at the Bet365 Stadium on August 15 against Swansea City.

Potters Targeting First Top-Half Finish Since EFL Return

Stoke City will be hoping to get back on track this season after finishing 17th in two of the last three seasons.

Despite an excellent start to last term, a run of three wins in 20 saw the Potters drop down the standings. Mark Robins has lost crucial experience in the middle of the park, with Steven Nzonzi and Lewis Baker departing. However, defensive solidity has been apparent, conceding just one goal in their last five matches.

Scoring was an issue throughout last term, meaning that there will be pressure on Róbert Boženík, who has netted twice in his last three appearances. Ethan Galbraith has signed for £10 million and will be a key player in the midfield.

Stoke City predicted lineup vs Swansea City (4-2-3-1): Johansson; Wilmot, Lawal, Graham, Bocat; Galbraith, Ingelsson; Cisse, Manhoef, Thomas; Boženík

Swans Improving Under Matos

Swansea City could be interesting contenders in the playoff picture in 2026-27 after showing huge improvement following the appointment of Vitor Matos last November.

In the final weeks of last term, the Swans avoided defeat in six of their last seven. Attacking talent has been added to the squad this summer, with Moussa Yeo and Joseph Opoku signing from RB Salzburg and Zulte Waregem, respectively.

The former is a Ghana international and has scored three times in his last four club appearances. Attacking dynamism has been apparent throughout pre-season, with Swansea scoring at least twice in two of their four fixtures. Matos will be without the injured Ben Lloyd for the season opener.

Swansea City predicted lineup vs Stoke City (4-3-3): Vigoroux; Lissah, Cabango, Burgess, Tymon; Widell, Stamenic, Just; Yeo, Idah, Opoku

Stoke City vs Swansea City Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Over 1.5 Goals
  • Odds: 1.31 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: PJFDK
  • Correct score prediction: Stoke City 2-1 Swansea City

Key stats:

  • Each of the last three head-to-head meetings has seen at least two goals scored.
  • Swansea are one of the most exciting attacking teams in the Championship, scoring an average of 1.00 goals per game since July.
  • Stoke have scored at least twice in three of their previous five.

A high-scoring opening fixture at the bet365 Stadium is set for this Saturday, ensuring plenty of appeal for over 1.5 goals after claiming the 22Bet bonus of up to 122 $/€.

Stoke have been excellent since returning to action in July, scoring at least once in their previous six fixtures, and in their last three head-to-head against Swansea.

The Swans have also scored an average of a goal per match since returning to action this summer. Their new attacking talent will gel quickly, adding to a Swansea attack that scored 1.10 goals per 90 on the road in 2025-26.

Stoke City vs Swansea City Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Stoke City to Win
  • Odds: 2.395 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: RJJDK

A home victory is a solid value play this weekend. Stoke have looked strong following some excellent business this summer, with their EFL Cup win over Oldham last Saturday making it four wins in their previous five.

Swansea may require time to settle into a new shape under Matos, reflected by a loss against Birmingham last week. It was the third time in five that they had failed to win. The Potters have also won each of their last three meetings with the Swans in the Championship.

Verdict: Over 1.5 Goals (1.31) — Stoke City 2-1 Swansea City