FA Cup Fourth Round Preview: Stoke City vs Cardiff City

Fixture: Stoke City vs Cardiff City

Date: Saturday, 8 February 2025

Kick-off: 15:00 GMT

Venue: bet365 Stadium, Stoke-on-Trent

The FA Cup fourth round brings a familiar battle as Stoke City host Cardiff City at the bet365 Stadium. With both teams navigating inconsistent Championship campaigns, this cup tie presents a valuable opportunity for progression and a potential morale boost.

Mark Robins' Stoke side are aiming to build on recent positive home form, while Cardiff, under Ömer Rıza, will be looking for a reaction following their 7-0 thrashing against Leeds United in the league.

• W 2-1 vs Hull City (Championship)
• D 0-0 vs Oxford United (Championship)
• L 1-3 vs Portsmouth (Championship)
• D 1-1 vs West Bromwich Albion (Championship)
• W 2-1 vs Sunderland (FA Cup Third Round)

Stoke edged past Sunderland in the previous round, showing resilience on the road.

• L 0-7 vs Leeds United (Championship)
• W 2-1 vs Derby County (Championship)
• D 2-2 vs Millwall (Championship)
• W 3-0 vs Swansea City (Championship)
• D 1-1 vs Watford (Championship)

Cardiff defeated Sheffield United 1-0 in the third round but were hammered by Leeds in their last outing

• Stoke City have won 18 of the last 52 meetings, Cardiff have won 18, and there have been 16 draws.
• The teams last met in December 2024, drawing 2-2 in the Championship.
• Cardiff's last FA Cup triumph came in 1927, while Stoke have never won the competition, despite reaching the final in 2011.
  

Injuries & Suspensions:

• Ben Wilmot (Leg injury) – Out until mid-February
• Eric Bocat (Calf injury) – Late February return
• Jordan Thompson (Leg injury) – Mid-February return
• Wouter Burger (Muscle injury) – Doubtful
• Million Manhoef (Unknown injury)-- Doubtful
  

• GK: Viktor Johansson
• DEF: Michael Rose, Ashley Phillips, Enda Stevens, Junior Tchamadeu
• MID: Wouter Burger, Tayo Seko
• ATT MID: Joon-Ho Bae, Nathan Lowe, Lewis Koumas
• ST: Emre Tezgel

Key Player: Lewis Koumas – The winger has shown glimpses of quality and will be crucial in leading Stoke’s attack.

Injuries & Suspensions:

• Aaron Ramsey (Muscle injury) – Back in training
• David Turnbull (Hamstring injury) – Out until late February
• Isaak Davies (Leg injury) – Mid-February return
• Ollie Tanner (Bruised foot) – Expected back soon
• Roko Simic (Unknown injury)- Unknown return time
  

• GK: Jak Alnwick
• DEF: Jesper Daland, Dimitrios Goutas, Perry Ng, Andy Rinomhota
• MID: Joe Ralls, Sven Mannsverk, Alex Robertson
• ATT: Anwar El Ghazi, Callum Robinson, Yakou Meite

Key Player: Callum Robinson – The forward will be Cardiff’s main goal threat, looking to exploit gaps in Stoke’s backline.

• Look to control possession and attack through the flanks.
• Defensive resilience has improved, but goals have been hard to come by.
• Set-pieces will be key, with Burger and Al-Hamadi capable in the air.
  

• Compact defensive shape to avoid another heavy defeat.
• Will try to hit Stoke on the break through pacey wide players.
• Callum Robinson’s movement could trouble the hosts.
  

Neither side has shown consistent attacking form, making this a cagey contest. Stoke’s home advantage might give them the edge, but Cardiff will fight hard to force a replay.

Final Score: Stoke City 1-1 Cardiff City (Stoke to win on penalties)

Expect a low-scoring affair with a potential shootout.

This is a match where both sides will be wary of defeat, but Stoke might just edge it if it goes the distance.

Ladbrokes brings you the most exciting betting promotions and the latest betting offers to enhance your experience.

For the best FA Cup outright predictions, explore our FA Cup Outright Betting guide.

Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.