Stoke City will take on Derby County on the opening weekend of the 2025/26 Championship season, just three months after they met on the final day of the 2024/25 season.
After both teams finished just above the drop zone at the end of last season, there will be a determination in both camps to avoid a similar scenario this time around. A quick start would certainly help towards that.
As part of our opening round of Championship betting tips, check out our Stoke vs Derby prediction below.
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Stoke vs Derby prediction: Score draw in the Potteries
Key stats
- Three of Derby's last four Championship matches have produced fewer than three goals.
- Six of Stoke's last seven Championship matches have produced fewer than three goals.
- Stoke have scored more than one goal in just one of their last seven competitive matches.
Correct score prediction: Stoke 1-1 Derby
Stoke and Derby were separated by just one place and one point last season, and although the two squads are slightly different after the summer transfer window, there still doesn't appear to be much between the two teams on paper. A second consecutive draw between these two teams is very much on the cards.
Pre-game odds and win probability: A tough match to call
- HOME: 13/10 (2.30) – 43.5%
- DRAW: 11/5 (3.20) – 31.3%
- AWAY: 11/5 (3.20) – 31.3%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The Stoke vs Derby odds paint a picture of how evenly matched these two teams are, with the bookies choosing to price all three results at a price greater than evens. Ladbrokes have made Stoke the slight favourites, giving them a 43.5% chance of winning the match, while Derby have been given a 31.3% chance of victory.
For more from the upcoming matches in England and beyond, today’s football betting tips look at some of the best picks.
Most recent H2Hs: Honours even
Over the last five meetings between Stoke and Derby, there has been nothing to split the two teams. Both of them have enjoyed two wins each, while the fifth and most recent clash finished in a draw. In last season's corresponding fixture at the Bet365 Stadium, the Potters ran out as 2-1 winners thanks to a late winner from Ben Gibson.
England Championship 03/05/25
Derby
Stoke
England Championship 02/11/24
Stoke
Derby
UK Friendlies 22/07/23
Derby
Stoke
England Championship 30/12/21
Stoke
Derby
England Championship 18/09/21
Derby
Stoke
Stoke preview: Experienced full-back to make his debut
Stoke City have made a number of signings this summer, but there is every chance that the acquisition of Aaron Creswell on a free transfer will turn out to be their best. The 35-year-old enjoyed more than a decade at West Ham in the Premier League, and that quality and experience will shine at this level. The Potters have no injuries for this one.
Predicted Lineup: Johansson (GK), Tchamedeu, Lawal, Wilmot, Cresswell, Seko, Pearson, Manhoef, Jun-Ho, Thomas, Mubama
England Championship 03/05/25
D Derby 0 Stoke 0 England Championship 25/04/25
L Sheff Utd 2 Stoke 0 England Championship 21/04/25
L Leeds 6 Stoke 0 England Championship 18/04/25
W Sheff Wed 0 Stoke 2 England Championship 12/04/25
W Cardiff 0 Stoke 1
Derby preview: A new look forward line to cover the injury cracks
Derby County have signed three new forwards this season in the form of Carlton Morris, Patrick Agyemang and Rhian Brewster. Only two of the three are in line for their competitive debuts on Saturday, with Agyemang, the most expensive of the three, recovering from hernia surgery. Agyemang is one of eight players out injured.
Predicted Lineup: Zetterstrom (GK), Rooney, Nyambe, Batth, Forsyth, Thompson, Goudmijn, Jackson, Adams, Blackett-Taylor, Morris
England Championship 03/05/25
D Stoke 0 Derby 0 England Championship 26/04/25
W Hull 0 Derby 1 England Championship 21/04/25
W West Brom 1 Derby 3 England Championship 18/04/25
L Luton 1 Derby 0 England Championship 12/04/25
D Portsmouth 2 Derby 2 
Player to watch: Carlton Morris
Just two seasons ago, Carlton Morris was a Premier League regular with Luton, but after suffering back-to-back relegations with the Hatters, his stock has fallen somewhat. Morris was always going to be too good for League One, and there is plenty of excitement around the possibility of him reigniting his career under John Eustace at Derby County.