Stoke close in on the top of the Championship ahead of a visit from in-form Cardiff

Stoke City host Cardiff City at the Bet365 Stadium on what looks to be a cold, wet and windy night in Staffordshire, with both teams unbeaten in their last three games. 

The Potters have had a very promising start to the season, coming into the game sitting in 5th place. However, they would need a win to cement their place in the play-off positions until the next time they play, as there are four teams below them within touching distance of that 5th place spot.  

Cardiff come into the game off the back of three straight wins, the only time they’ve done this so far in the Championship this season. The Bluebirds scored eight in these matches without conceding a single goal. It’s fair to say that they’re in-form after a slow start to the season. 

Michael O’Neill will certainly be pleased with his side, as they have emerged as a dark horse for promotion this season after recent campaigns saw them finishing 16th and 15th.  

Stoke have been involved in some thrillers, which they haven’t always been on the winning side of, but they for sure are playing entertaining football for a change. 

In 15 games so far for Tyrese Cambell, he has already equaled his G/A tally from last season, where he took 33 games in the league to hit 11 combined goals and assists. This season he has been in fine form.  

At just 20 years old, he is proving to be a pivotal part of The Potters foundations, showing he can not only score but also create chances for his team mates. He’s now scored six goals and assisted five.  

On the other hand, Neil Harris has got a good striker of his own up top, with 6’5 Kieffer Moore getting back amongst the goals. The Welshman has scored four in his last three games, after a small drought before that.  

He and Cardiff will be hoping to continue the fine form, but the home side’s defence has been just as good as the away side’s, with Stoke also having three consecutive clean sheets. 

If results go in their favour, the hosts could find themselves at the top of the Championship table, with a trip to struggling Derby County up next after this game. 

O’Neill and Stoke fans will be hopeful that former Chelsea midfielder Jon Obi Mikel will pass a late fitness test and be available for selection. 

The veteran has undeniably settled in well and would love nothing more than a return to the Premier League with the Potters. The 33-year-old’s days on the pitch are certainly numbered as he moves into the last years of his impressive career for club and country.  

It’s set up to be a great game under the lights with both sides hard to beat in recent weeks, we could witness another thriller, but also could see a low-scoring arm wrestle.  

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