Stoke City vs Leicester City prediction, H2H and probable lineups – 21 February 2026
As part of the 33rd round of the English Championship, Stoke will face Leicester. The match will take place on Saturday, 21 February. Kick-off is scheduled for 13:30 Central European Time. I'm offering a bet focused on the goal tally in this game.
Match preview
Stoke City have shown consistent and confident football this season, as reflected in their league position—the team is picking up points more regularly than many of their rivals. However, recent Championship matches have seen a downturn in form, and they've also been knocked out of the FA Cup.
Heading into the match against Leicester, the Potters have 43 points and sit 14th in the standings, which keeps them in contention for a playoff spot. They're just five points off sixth place, a gap that could be closed in the coming games.
Stoke's attack looks well-balanced—they average about a goal per match, relying on a classic English style with a solid holding midfielder and strong wing play. Among the goal scorers, midfielder Thomas stands out with 9 goals, while Manhoef consistently adds firepower up front.
The club's defense is also impressive: Stoke concede fewer goals than most and know how to hold onto a lead until the final whistle. Having allowed just 29 goals, their back line is the best in the Championship.
For Leicester, this Championship campaign has been more complicated and inconsistent. The team sits 22nd in the table with 32 points, and despite playing in the Premier League last season, the Foxes are now struggling badly for both goals and consistency.
They started the season with flashes of confident play, but a string of defeats and draws has dented their progress. The stats show Leicester lose quite often and have conceded in each of their recent matches, making their defense vulnerable and their hopes of climbing the table uncertain.
Nevertheless, the Foxes have quality players capable of turning matches around and, on their day, can produce strong performances. What the team lacks are these sparks of brilliance—which they need to avoid starting next season in League One, a scenario that would be a real disaster.
The coaching change has yet to yield results, as Leicester remain stuck in the danger zone. The gap to the teams above is still small, so there's every chance to turn things around. It's also worth noting that only Sheffield Wednesday have conceded more, highlighting serious defensive issues.
Match facts
- Stoke are winless in seven consecutive matches.
- Stoke have lost their last three home games.
- Leicester haven't won away in the Championship for over two months.
- Stoke average 1.3 goals per home game, while Leicester average 1.4 goals per game on the road.
Probable lineups
- Stoke City: Simkin, Cresswell, Wilmot, Phillips, Taloverov, Seko, N'Zonzi, Rigo, Thomas, Manhoef, Cisse.
- Leicester City: Begovic, Pereira, Okoli, Nelson, Thomas, Winks, Skipp, Mukasa, Mavididi, Fatawu, Daka.
H2H
- Leicester have beaten Stoke in each of their last five head-to-head matches.
- Stoke have not managed to beat Leicester at home since 2014.
Prediction
Stoke City aren't prolific in attack, but their defensive discipline is top-notch. This pragmatic style against a struggling Leicester side could finally bring a much-needed win. I don't expect a goal fest here, so my bet is on total goals under 3.
