West Bromwich Albion's final game of the month is a trip to Stoke City in the Sky Bet Championship on Saturday lunchtime (ko 12.30pm).
Ryan Mason's men were held at home by Portsmouth in their most recent fixture last weekend, but remain unbeaten in their opening three second-tier matches in 2025/26.
Hosts Stoke City have made a terrific start to the campaign and head into the weekend top of the division. They're one of just two teams to have a perfect record from the first trio of league encounters, but Mark Robins' men were beaten heavily at home by Bradford City in midweek in the second round of the Carabao Cup.
Saturday's clash will be 157th meeting between the two clubs. Albion took four points off the Potters last term, winning 2-1 away and drawing 1-1 at home.
Follow the action LIVE
Supporters can listen to live audio commentary of Albion's showdown with Stoke City.
Audio passes are available to purchase here.
WBA Radio & WBA TV duo Gez Mulholland and Andy Johnson will provide live commentary from Staffordshire, with coverage starting at 12.20pm.
Details for video streaming on WBA TV will be available here from Friday morning.
Supporters are kindly asked to direct any questions or complaints about WBA TV or WBA Radio to wbatvsupport@streamamg.com.
The club are unable to answer queries about WBA TV or WBA Radio sent to fans@wbafc.co.uk, myalbion@wbafc.co.uk or enquiries@wbafc.co.uk.
Regular updates will also be posted across the club's social media channels throughout the day.
The opposition
Stoke City will be determined to maintain their 100 per cent start to the Sky Bet Championship campaign when West Bromwich Albion make the short trip up the M6 on Saturday.
The Potters have impressed so far in 2025/26, defeating Derby County 3-1 at home on the opening day, Sheffield Wednesday 3-0 at Hillsborough and Southampton 2-1 at St Mary's Stadium last weekend.
This weekend's opponents last claimed maximum points from their their first four league games of a season back in 1998/99, winning six on the spin that particular year in the old Division 2.
Stoke have had a challenging time in the Championship following their relegation from the Premier League in 2018. They've failed to record a top-half finish in any of the last seven campaigns, ending the previous year in 18th position.
However there's plenty of optimism around the club right now, and their form on the pitch would suggest the hosts are well-placed to have the opportunity to enjoy a much more successful term this time around.
Former long-serving Coventry City boss Mark Robins in the man in charge. The 55-year-old took over on New Year's Day and has a record of 10 wins, 10 draws and nine defeats from his 29 games in all competitions. He'll have his sights set on sending Stoke into the upper reaches of the second tier this season.
Memorable meeting
Albion claimed three Premier League points against Stoke City in dramatic circumstances back in January 2012.
James Morrison's effort from distance was fumbled over the line by Potters stopper Thomas Sorensen towards the latter stages of the opening period, giving the visitors a 1-0 advantage.
It was an advantage they held until four minutes from time when Cameron Jerome equalised. However, there was still time for one final twist. Graham Dorrans delivered a free-kick through a crowded penalty area, straight past Sorensen and into the Stoke net to seal a last-gasp triumph.
Check out the highlights below.
Albion's recent record at the bet365 Stadium
Stoke City 1-2 Albion, August 2024
The Baggies claimed their second win in three second-tier matches at the start of the 2024/25 campaign at Stoke City 12 months ago. Karlan Grant's header put the visitors 1-0 up, but Lewis Koumas equalised on the stroke of the half-hour mark. Moments later, though, Josh Maja placed the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the box to put Carlos Corberán's outfit back in front. Both teams had chances in the second period, but Albion held on to the three points. Watch the highlights below.
Stoke City 2-2 Albion, April 2024
The Potters fought back from 2-0 down to claim a point in the Sky Bet Championship towards the back end of the 2023/24 term. Mikey Johnston's powerful finish and Jed Wallace's close-range effort had Albion in a strong position heading into the final 22 minutes, but Stoke had a late surge and secured a draw thanks to goals from Million Manhoef and Andre Vidigal.
Stoke City 2-1 Albion, August 2023
The side from Staffordshire sealed a spot in the second round of the Carabao Cup with a narrow win over Albion in August 2023. Josh Griffiths' unfortunate own goal put the home team 1-0 up in the first 45, but Brandon Thomas-Asante equalised in the middle of the second period. However, less than 60 seconds after the striker's goal, the Potters restored their advantage. Andre Vidigal found the back of the net, and 2-1 is how it stayed at the bet365 Stadium that night.
How's that for a stat
Both teams have scored in all of the last six meetings, with 17 goals scored across those matches.
Three of the last four matches between the sides at the bet365 Stadium have ended in 2-1 scorelines. The other game finished 2-2.
This weekend's clash will be the third year in-a-row Albion have visited the bet365 Stadium in August.
Stoke have won three matches at the start of a league campaign for the first time since 1998/99 when they were playing in the third tier.
Chelsea are the only club Baggies boss Ryan Mason faced more times as a player. Mason met the Potters on six occasions during his career, winning one, drawing two and losing three. He came up against Chelsea seven times.
Colours for the road
The Baggies will wear their green and yellow away kit for the first time in a competitive game on Saturday in Staffordshire.
Ticket information
Albion have sold out the 3,394-seat allocation for the trip to Stoke City.
Thanks, as always, for your fantastic support!
