As Stoke City gear up for their final game of the season against Bristol City, manager Steven Schumacher faces crucial assessments regarding the fitness of Lynden Gooch and Ben Pearson. Both players are nearing recovery from hamstring strains sustained in a previous match against Norwich on March 16. However, Schumacher’s primary concern is ensuring their readiness for an intensive pre-season regimen rather than rushing them back into action, especially given Stoke’s secure position in the Championship standings.
Reports suggest that Mehdi Leris and Sead Haksabanovic were absent from the recent trip to Southampton due to illness and a minor groin issue, respectively. Updates on their conditions are anticipated later in the week. Meanwhile, Junior Tchamadeu,
recovering from an ankle injury since late February, made a spirited return with a cameo appearance in the victory over Southampton, where Schumacher fielded an unchanged starting lineup from the previous win against Plymouth. Now, as Schumacher approaches his 40th birthday, he deliberates whether to maintain faith in the same squad for a third consecutive game.
Wouter Burger, a strong candidate for player of the year, is hopeful for a comeback, while Sol Sidibe and Nathan Lowe, both among the substitutes at St Mary’s, may also feature in the upcoming fixture. Positioned 18th in a tightly contested bottom half of the table, Stoke City could potentially finish as high as 16th, depending on goal difference and other match outcomes.
However, it’s unlikely they’ll end the season below 19th place. Stoke aims to overturn a historical trend at the bet365 Stadium against Bristol City, who have emerged victorious in all five encounters since Stoke’s relegation from the Premier League in 2018.