Stoke City vs Fulham: FA Cup preview, team news and prediction for Sunday, Feb. 15 (ET)
Stoke City welcome Fulham to Bet365 Stadium in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday, Feb. 15 (ET). Both sides arrive under pressure after poor runs of form, but the Premier League visitors retain the edge on paper. This preview examines recent results, likely selection changes and a betting-minded prediction for a tie that could hinge on squad rotation and frontline creativity.
Recent form and injury context
Stoke come into the match as a Championship side struggling for momentum. The Potters are 14th in the second tier and advanced to this stage with a narrow 1-0 victory over Coventry City in the previous round. Since then, results have dried up: Stoke have gone six competitive matches without a win and have failed to find the net in their last three outings. That lull raises questions about confidence and attacking sharpness heading into a matchup against top-flight opposition.
Fulham sit midtable in the Premier League and arrived in the fourth round after a convincing 3-1 third-round win over a Championship opponent. Yet recent fixtures suggest cracks on the road. The Cottagers suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat at Manchester City midweek and are enduring three consecutive away losses, remaining winless away from their home ground in 2026. Those travelling struggles, combined with the demands of a busy calendar, increase the possibility of rotation.
Team news, tactical outlook and key players
Rotation is a central storyline for the visitors. The manager has hinted at making changes to manage minutes and give new signings an opportunity. A notable newcomer could be a playmaker recruited from one of the country’s top clubs in January, a player whose arrival immediately intensifies competition for wide and creative roles. That addition is likely to push for minutes in cup action, which could see an established wide forward rested.
For Stoke, the immediate priority is rediscovering attacking impetus. The Potters have shown resilience at times this season, but a continued inability to score will make progressing in the cup a tall order. Tactically, Stoke may set up to frustrate Fulham with compact defensive blocks and rely on counterattacks or set-piece opportunities. If Fulham treats the tie as a chance to blood new personnel, that could open up space for Stoke’s counterplay—provided the hosts can convert chances.
Matchups to monitor include Fulham’s new technical addition operating in the final third against Stoke’s full-backs, and the battle for midfield control where the visitors typically hold the advantage in tempo and ball progression. Fulham’s ability to create overloads in half-spaces will be decisive if the new arrival integrates quickly.
Prediction and betting angle
Both teams come in with questions: Stoke are desperate for goals and confidence, while Fulham must manage travel woes and squad fatigue. On balance, the Premier League side should have enough quality to edge the tie, particularly if changes are limited and their new signing adapts quickly. That said, cup football is ripe for upsets, particularly against a Championship side at home that will be highly motivated.
Expect a cautious first half with Fulham controlling possession and Stoke looking to hit on the break. A narrow away victory or a draw forcing extra time are credible outcomes. For those weighing a wager, the safer play is a Fulham progression given the talent gap, but backing a low-scoring affair or a narrow scoreline better reflects the current form and travel concerns facing the visitors.
Kickoff is set for Sunday, Feb. 15 (ET) at Bet365 Stadium, with both teams aware that a good cup run can alter momentum for the remainder of the season.
