Stoke City vs Norwich: Potters Chase First Point in Championship Clash
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.

