Friday's game in Stoke holds more significance for the home team than Sheffield Wednesday. Stoke have a good chance to boost their survival campaign by winning consecutive league matches for only the second time this season.
Stoke secured a 1-0 victory in Cardiff with a late own goal last weekend, marking their third win in six games and pushing them five points clear of the relegation zone with four matches remaining.
Next, Stoke will face tough opponents Leeds and Sheffield United, making it crucial for them to capitalize on this opportunity to distance themselves from the bottom three and avoid a nervous end to the season.
Sheffield Wednesday sit six points ahead of Stoke in the standings, but more importantly, they are 11 points clear of the relegation zone and likely safe from demotion.
In their previous encounter in December at Hillsborough, the Owls emerged victorious with a 2-0 win. However, Stoke was struggling at the time, enduring an eventual nine-match winless streak.
Team news
Ali Al-Hamadi may continue in the forward position for Stoke after replacing Sam Gallagher against Cardiff, while Ben Gibson is expected to return after missing the last match due to illness.
Stevens, Rose, Wilson-Esbrand, and Sidibe are sidelined for Stoke due to injuries.
Barry Bannan is doubtful for Sheffield Wednesday due to an ankle injury, with Bernard and Lowe set to miss the remainder of the season. Youngster Charles has been preferred over Beadle in goal, and McNeill could see more playing time after featuring as a substitute against Oxford.
The stats
Stoke has lost only five of their 21 home league matches this season.
In their last 10 home league and cup matches, Stoke has suffered just one defeat in regular time.
Five of Stoke's recent six matches have seen under 2.5 goals.
Sheffield Wednesday has been defeated in six of their last 10 games.
In four of Wednesday's last five league matches, there have been under 2.5 goals.
Three of Wednesday's recent five league games have ended in 1-0 defeats.
Seven of the last eight meetings between these teams have had under 2.5 goals.
Prediction
Sheffield Wednesday's form has declined rapidly after being in eighth place just ten games ago in the Championship. Their recent run of two draws and three losses leaves them vulnerable against teams fighting for survival like Stoke.
The Owls' inability to secure wins against Cardiff (1-1) and Hull (lost 1-0) in their current winless streak indicates their struggles. Manager Danny Rohl has introduced young players like McNeill to the squad, and any lack of intensity from the visitors could be punished by a determined Stoke side.
The match is expected to draw a large crowd, and if Stoke secures the crucial three points, the atmosphere at the stadium could be electrifying.