Stoke vs Sheffield Wednesday Prediction: BTTS in the Potteries

Stoke City host Sheffield Wednesday at the bet365 Stadium on Friday (15:00, Sky Sports+) in the Championship. The Potters recorded an important victory against fellow strugglers Cardiff City last Saturday to move them five points clear of the relegation zone.

The Owls make the trip to the Potteries without a win in their past five fixtures in the second tier, losing their latest to Oxford United, another side fighting for survival. Read on for my Stoke vs Sheffield Wednesday predictions, aided by the latest match odds and team news.

Football Odds

Team News

Stoke boss Mark Robins is still having to cope with several injuries presently with defenders Josh Wilson-Esbrand, Michael Rose and Enda Stevens all confined to the treatment room, as well as midfielder Sol Sidibe.

After his side secured an important victory in South Wales last week, Robins could be tempted to name the same starting XI to face Wednesday. Ali Al-Hamadi should continue to lead the line for the Potters, despite competition from the likes of Sam Gallagher, Andrew Moran and Lewis Koumas.

Bae Jun-ho, Lewis Baker and Million Manhoef are expected to keep their places in the supporting attacking roles. Wouter Burger and Jordan Thompson are set to operate in the engine room on Friday, too.

Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl has shown his frustrations at his players in Barry Bannan's absence, as the midfield talisman has missed the past two matches. Michael Smith and Olaf Kobacki were also absent against Oxford United last time out, and they will need to be monitored ahead of the trip to Stoke-on-Trent.

Max Lowe (knee) and Di'Shon Bernard (ACL) are out of action and will not feature again this season.

Should Bannan miss out again, Shea Charles and Stuart Armstrong are likely to continue in the deeper midfield roles, while Svante Ingelsson provides another option if Rohl decides to freshen things up.

Ike Ugbo may have another starting opportunity up front as he bids to open his Championship account of the season. He's likely to receive support from Josh Windass in the advanced midfield role, while width is set to be provided by Djeidi Gassama and Anthony Musaba.

Stoke vs Sheffield Wednesday Odds

Stoke have won two of their last four league matches and they are 13/10, which has an implied probability of 43.5%, to come out on top on Friday.

The other two have been draws, which was also the outcome in Sheffield Wednesday's previous two away fixtures in the Championship. The stalemate is on offer at 12/5 (29.4%) on this occasion.

Wednesday are 21/10 to come away with the three points, which they have accomplished in two of their past four road trips in the second tier.

Stoke's Lewis Baker has two goals in his last three appearances and he is 16/5 to strike anytime against the Owls.

Stoke or draw and over 1.5 goals @ 5/6

Sheffield Wednesday's dip in form looks to have cost them dearly in the race for the play-offs. The Owls are 10 points adrift of Coventry City in sixth with only four games left to play.

They may rank fifth in the Championship away table this season, but their recent performances suggest that they feel beaten, and the absence of Bannan has had a huge effect.

Stoke are still looking to ensure their second tier status and their victory at Cardiff could be vital in making that happen. The Potters will look to give themselves further security when they face Wednesday at the bet365, and with one defeat in their previous nine matches at home, you'd fancy them to avoid defeat.

I think covering double chance in Stoke's favour is a smart selection for Friday, but the odds have been given a lift with over 1.5 goals, which has struck in three of their last four appearances (two at home).

There have also been two or more goals scored in each of Sheffield Wednesday's past five away trips in the Championship.

Both teams to score @ 4/5

Both teams to score is another attractive market for this clash, as it has been a successful bet in several matches involving either of these two clubs in recent weeks. Three of Stoke's last four matches have featured goals at both ends, as well as four of their past six encounters on home soil.

For Wednesday, each of their previous three road trips in the Championship has seen both teams get on the scoresheet.

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