- Stoke City U21 have lost each of their last five league games (L5).
- Fulham U21 have won seven of their nine Premier League 2 away games this season, averaging 2.67 goals per game.
- Fulham U21 have won two and lost three of their last five Premier League 2 games.
Fulham young guns to overwhelm Stoke City
In a clash of two contrasting footballing ideologies, Fulham U21’s progressive football should be more than enough to earn the points at Stoke City’s expense on Monday.
The hosts occupy 23rd place in the Premier League 2 2025-2026 with 19 points from 17 games, while Fulham U21 are pushing for the top spots in sixth place after collecting 35 points from 18 matches.
It was just after Darren Potter took charge of Stoke City U21 in November 2024 that the young Potters’ focus switched to discipline, organisation and a strong defensive structure, with Potter favouring wide overloads and a solid back four while the set-piece specialists rained down balls into the box.
They have been in horrific form lately, losing all of their last five league matches in a row. Their latest defeats include a heavy 6-1 loss to Middlesbrough Academy and a 4-2 defeat at Norwich City Academy. Stoke City U21 has also lost both of their last two home matches.
Fulham U21, by contrast, are an ambitious, high-pressing and possession-based side who should look to dominate the ball and territory in this clash. Hayden Mullins has instilled a fluid philosophy, with his front four interchangeable with his midfielders and full-backs, while his players have scored an impressive 2.67 goals per away game in the league this season.
Fulham are worthy favourites
Fulham U21 will get plenty of opportunities to hurt the Potters if their season-long away record is anything to go by, while Stoke City U21’s home record of two wins, one draw and four losses in Premier League 2 is equally uninspiring.
Averaging just 1.43 goals per home game in the competition, the hosts are unlikely to score enough to trouble the visitors and Fulham should get enough of a return on their 21/50 odds to be the safest selection for Monday’s game.
Both teams to score - Yes, meanwhile, is heavily favored in this match, which looks incredibly short for two teams with attacking intent. Fulham U21 have conceded an average of 1.78 goals per-game on the road in the Premier League 2, so they are open at the back, while Chinonso Chibueze has hit two of Stoke City U21’s last six goals during a difficult run of results and will be eager to impress on Monday.
