Stoke vs Fulham

The bet365 Stadium is set for a high-stakes FA Cup Fourth Round encounter this Sunday, February 15, 2026, as Mark Robins’ Stoke City welcomes Marco Silva’s Fulham. Kick-off is scheduled for 14:00 GMT.

While Stoke is fighting to maintain momentum in the Championship, they face a Premier League Fulham side that has proven to be one of the top flight's most resilient outfits under Silva. For the Potters, this is a chance to prove they belong back in the big time; for the Cottagers, it’s a vital step toward a deep cup run.

Match Information

Stoke City: The Injury-Hit Potters

Stoke manager Mark Robins has overseen a gritty campaign, but his squad is currently being stretched to the limit by a severe injury crisis. Despite a recent 0–0 draw with West Brom, the Potters are struggling to find the back of the net following a string of losses in their striking department.

Team News and Selection:

• Forward Crisis: Stoke has lost almost every recognized striker. Divin Mubama is sidelined with a suspected broken leg, joining Robert Bozenik (shoulder) and Sam Gallagher on the treatment table.

• Additional Absences: Midfielder Lewis Baker and winger Million Manhoef are also ruled out, along with goalkeeper Viktor Johansson and defender Junior Tchamadeu.

• Defensive Solidity: Despite the lack of goals, Stoke has managed four successive clean sheets recently, providing a solid foundation for a cup upset.

• Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Bazunu (or Bonham); Bocat, Wilmot, Gibson, Stevens; Burger, Thompson; Jun-ho, Koumas, Vidigal; Ennis.

Fulham: Silva’s Consistent Cottagers

Marco Silva is now in his eighth season in the Premier League and has Fulham sitting comfortably in the top half (10th). They arrive in the Potteries following a mixed run of form, including a 2–1 win over Brighton but a narrow 3–2 defeat to Manchester United.

Team News and Selection:

• Injury Concerns: The visitors will likely be without Oscar Bobb, Rodrigo Muniz, and Sasa Lukic, all of whom are recovering from injuries.

• Midfield Mastery: Harry Wilson and Alex Iwobi have been central to Fulham's creative output this season, while the physical presence of Raúl Jiménez (who recently surpassed 10 league goals) remains a major threat.

• Cup Specialists: Having reached the later stages of domestic cups in recent years, Silva is expected to field a strong side rather than heavy rotation.

• Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, Diop, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Reed; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Iwobi; Jiménez.

? Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats

• Recent Trend: Fulham has won the last three encounters against Stoke City.

• Clean Sheet Battle: While Stoke has been defensively stout lately, Fulham hasn't kept a clean sheet in their last 7 matches, suggesting an opening for the hosts.

• Home vs. Away: Stoke’s last home win in this fixture came in the Championship in 2019 (2–0).

• Betting Odds: Fulham enter as favorites (-135) compared to Stoke (+344).

Tactical Preview and Prediction

Mark Robins will likely set Stoke up to be "hard to beat," relying on their recent defensive organization to frustrate Fulham's Premier League quality. Without their primary strikers, the Potters will look to Bae Jun-ho and Lewis Koumas to provide sparks on the counter-attack.

Fulham will look to dominate possession and use the technical quality of Emile Smith Rowe to pick apart the Stoke block. Given Stoke's decimated attack and Fulham's superior depth, the Cottagers are expected to progress, though they may have to work hard for it.

Final Score Prediction: Stoke City 0–2 Fulham