Michael O’Neill makes Stoke City play-off claim

Stoke City boss Michael O’Neill has told the club’s official website that his side need to have excellent home form if they are to have any hope of finishing in the play-off places this season. 

The Potters have seen their form slump in recent weeks and have now gone five home Sky Bet Championship games without tasting victory.

Stoke head into their game this evening with Swansea City off the back of good performances against Huddersfield Town and Wigan Athletic, with the manager wanting to see that form transferred into their league games on home turf.

Ahead of the clash at the Bet365 Stadium this evening, the Northern Irishman was quick to state the following:

“We know that if we are going to make any inroads and make any dent in terms of a top six position we’re going to have to have excellent home form.”

Stoke will certainly be buoyed by the fact that they are taking on a Swansea side tonight that they put to the sword earlier this season and should take confidence from what was a superb away performance.

The Potters are currently six points off the play-off places at the time of writing.

The Verdict

O’Neill is spot on as always. The Potters have been slacking at home and really need to turn their results around if they are to realise their ambitions of making the play-offs in May.

A place in the top six is still importantly within their reach and they have certainly strengthened in the right areas to make a right go of attempting to finish in those positions.

If they improve how clinical they are in front of goal, they will be halfway there as they certainly create enough chances.

Only time will tell if they can turn things round at the Bet365 Stadium.

Source