Rejuvenated Leeds United will tour Stoke City on Boxing Day to strengthen their chances in the Championship title race. Meanwhile, the hosts will look to increase their gap from the relegation zone.
Ben Gibson’s injury-time goal allowed Stoke to take one point against Cardiff in a slow run to their campaign but a 2-0 defeat against a 10-man Sheffield Wednesday hurt them more. Both goals came after the red card to Bernard in the 41st minute.
The defeat against Blackburn Rovers has shaken Daniel Farke’s title challenge but 10 points from the next four games put them three points clear of Sheffield United, who will take on 3rd placed Burnley on Boxing Day.
The favorable result at Bramall Lane can allow promotion-hunting Leeds to reach the summit of the Championship table.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Stoke City vs. Leeds live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this EFL Championship match in the U.S.:
This game is not available for live TV broadcast in the United States. Streaming of this game is available on Paramount+, which is currently offering a FREE trial to new members.
What time does Stoke City vs. Leeds kick off?
This EFL Championship clash takes place at Bet365 Stadium in Stoke-on-Trent, England and kicks off on Thursday, December 26 at 8:00 p.m. local time.
Here’s how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Thu, Dec. 26 | 3:00 p.m. |
| Central Time | Thu, Dec. 26 | 2:00 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Thu, Dec. 26 | 1:00 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Thu, Dec. 26 | 12:00 p.m. |
Stoke City vs. Leeds lineups, team news
The hosts will be without their key defensive midfielder, Ben Pearson, which means Tatsuki Seko and Wouter Burger are expected to form a double pivot in the center of the park.
At the back, a likely defensive trio of Ben Wilmot, Michael Rose, and Ben Gibson could line up in front of goalkeeper Viktor Johansson, providing stability to their backline.
In attack, striker Thomas Cannon is set to lead the line, supported by the creative duo of Andrew Moran and Lewis Koumas, who will look to provide the spark in the final third.
Sheffield United predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Johansson (GK) — Wilmot, Phillips, Gibson, Bocat — Moran, Seko — Manhoef, Junho, Koumas — Cannon.
Injured: Stevens, Pearson
Suspended: None
For Leeds, the team faces challenges with the absence of defenders Junior Firpo and Maximilian Wober, both sidelined until early January due to muscle injuries.
The visitors’ defensive setup may include Jayden Bogle, Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu, and Sam Byram, forming a solid back four.
In midfield, Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka are likely to feature prominently, stepping up in the absence of Ilia Gruev, who remains unavailable until mid-January. Out wide, Dan James and Manor Solomon are expected to start, compensating for the absence of Joe Gelhardt, who is also unavailable for selection.
Leeds United predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Meslier (GK) — Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Byram — Tanaka, Rothwell — James, Aaronson, Ramazani — Piroe.
Injured: Ilia Gruev, Junior Firp
Suspended: None
Stoke City vs. Leeds prediction
Although Stoke have managed to avoid frequent defeats at home, their current form is troubling, and their defense has been alarmingly vulnerable.
Meanwhile, Leeds have been in exceptional form lately, and it wouldn’t be a shock if they capitalized on Stoke’s struggles to deepen the home side’s woes.
- Prediction: Stoke City 0-2 Leeds
EFL Championship fixture schedule this week
All times ET
Thursday, December 26
- Blackburn Rovers vs. Sunderland (10:00 a.m.)
- Coventry City vs. Plymouth Argyle (10:00 a.m.)
- Sheffield United vs. Burnley (10:00 a.m.)
- Norwich City vs. Millwall (10:00 a.m.)
- Middlesbrough vs. Sheffield Wednesday (10:00 a.m.)
- Oxford United vs. Cardiff City (10:00 a.m.)
- Bristol City vs. Luton Town (10:00 a.m.)
- Preston North End vs. Hull City (10:00 a.m.)
- Swansea vs. Queens Park Rangers (10:00 a.m.)
- Watford vs. Portsmouth (10:00 a.m.)
- Derby County vs. West Bromwich Albion (12:30 p.m.)
- Stoke City vs. Leeds United (3:00 p.m.)
Sunday, December 29
- Norwich City vs. Queens Park Rangers (7:30 a.m.)
- Preston North End vs. Sheffield Wednesday (7:30 a.m.)
- Sheffield United vs. West Bromwich Albion (10:00 a.m.)
- Blackburn Rovers vs. Hull City (10:00 a.m.)
- Bristol City vs. Portsmouth (10:00 a.m.)
- Coventry City vs. Millwall (10:00 a.m.)
- Oxford United vs. Plymouth Argyle (10:00 a.m.)
- Stoke City vs. Sunderland (10:00 a.m.)
- Swansea City vs. Luton Town
- Watford vs. Cardiff City (10:00 a.m.)
- Derby County vs. Leeds United (12:45 p.m.)
- Middlesbrough vs. Burnley (3:00 p.m.)
