Stoke City vs Preston North End Prediction and Betting Tips | December 26th 2025

Stoke City and Preston North End lock horns on Boxing Day (Friday) as the 23rd round of games in the Championship beckons. Both sides are in the top half of the standings.

Mark Robins' Stoke are coming off a 1-0 defeat at Watford last weekend. Despite dominating possession (58%), the Potters came undone, thanks to a 74th-minute winner by Luca Kjerrumgaard

Following a fourth defeat in five games, Stoke dropped to eighth in the points table, with 33 points from 22 games, winning 10.

Meanwhile, Paul Heckingbottom's Preston are fresh off a 1-1 home draw with Norwich City a week ago. Following a goalless first period, the visitors broke the deadlock in the 85th minute through Jovon Makama.

However, the Lilywhites hit back through Will Keane in the 96th minute to force a share of the spoils. Following a third stalemate in four games, Preston dropped to fifth in the standings, with 36 points from 22 outings, winning nine.

On that note, here's a look at the head-to-head stats and key numbers, match prediction, and betting tips for the Stoke-Preston Championship skirmish at the Bet365 Stadium:

Stoke City vs Preston North End head-to-head stats and key numbers

• In 115 meetings across competitions, Preston lead Stoke 51-38, with their last clash ending in a 1-1 draw at Preston in the Championship in April.
• Both sides have won twice apiece in their last six clashes - all in the Championship.
• Stoke have three wins and two losses in their last five home games - all in the Championship.
• Preston are unbeaten in five road outings across competitions - all in the Championship - winning three, including the last two.
• Form guide (last five games across competitions, most recent result first): Stoke: L-W-L-L-L; Preston: D-W-D-D-W

Stoke City vs Preston North End prediction

Both sides have had decent campaigns so far, but Preston are the more in-form side, unbeaten in six games (winning two), while a sixth defeat in eight games has dropped Stoke out of the play-off places.

In terms of head-to-head, Preston have a slender advantage, but Stoke have dominated recent meetings - going unbeaten in three - winning one. Stoke, though, have won just one of their last 12 home league meetings with Preston, losing five.

Stoke haven't beaten Preston in seven home league games, losing five, while the Lilywhites are unbeaten in five road outings. But with their last two meetings ending in stalemates, the trend could continue.

Prediction: Stoke City 0-0 Preston North End

Stoke City vs Preston North End betting tips

Tip-1: Draw

Tip-2: Stoke to score: No (They haven't scored in three of their last four games.)

Tip-3: Under 1.5 goals

Edited by Bhargav