Stoke City vs Norwich

Stoke City welcome Norwich City to the Potteries on Tuesday evening, still searching for their first Championship point of the 2026‑27 season. Mark Robins’ side have lost all three league matches so far, leaving them rooted to the bottom of the table, while Norwich arrive aiming to build on their own campaign and exploit a fragile home camp.

Stoke’s Pointless Start

Pressure is mounting at the bet365 Stadium after a trio of defeats that have left Stoke as the only Championship side yet to get off the mark. The performance in the last league outing at Southampton offered encouragement, but Robins could not hide his frustration with the thinness of his squad.

“We played really well against Southampton,” the manager said, “but we tired in areas I can’t strengthen right now.” The inability to rotate has been a recurring theme, and the fixture list is not offering any respite.

Team News and Injury Latest

Robins’ selection problems are considerable. Defenders Aaron Cresswell, Lamine Cisse, Bosun Lawal, Junior Tchamadeu and forward Ato Ampah are all ruled out through injury. Midfielder Svante Ingelsson is suspended after his red card at Southampton, so Tomas Rigo is expected to step into the centre of the park.

Further forward, Robert Bozenik could be recalled to lead the line, having been used from the bench in recent weeks. There was a bright spot in the Carabao Cup defeat to Hull, however, with an 18-year-old full‑back—who has earned Italy youth honours—catching the eye with a composed display. He may provide a much‑needed option in a problem position.

Norwich’s Attacking Threat

Norwich are a side built to hurt opponents on the break and will sense an opportunity against a Stoke defence that has yet to keep a clean sheet in the league. The Canaries have the firepower to trouble any backline in the division, and the combination of pace, movement and physicality in their forward line will test the Potters’ resolve.

Away from home, Norwich have shown they can be clinical, and if Stoke’s injury‑hit defence fails to stay compact, the visitors are well‑equipped to make them pay.

Key Battle: Robert Bozenik vs Norwich’s Defence

With Stoke desperate for a cutting edge, much will depend on whether Bozenik can hold the ball up and bring others into play. The Slovakian striker is likely to be restored to the starting XI and will be tasked with occupying the Norwich centre‑halves, dragging them out of position and creating space for the runners from midfield.

Norwich’s defensive unit will have to be alert from the first whistle. If Bozenik can get an early sight of goal, the home crowd’s anxiety might just begin to lift.

Stoke travel to Wolves immediately after this fixture, knowing that a first point is urgent. Norwich, meanwhile, will look to take the momentum from this trip into their next home game as they seek to climb into the play‑off picture.