FA Cup Fourth Round: Stoke City Gears Up to Host Premier League's Fulham
The magic of the FA Cup continues as the fourth round unfolds, bringing a captivating encounter between Championship side Stoke City and Premier League outfit Fulham. Set to take place at the Bet365 Stadium on Sunday, February 15, 2026, this tie presents an intriguing clash of league strengths and cup aspirations.
Stoke City's Championship Challenge
Stoke City, currently holding 14th position in the Championship, has navigated their way to this stage of the FA Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Coventry City in the previous round. However, their recent form paints a concerning picture for The Potters. A 1-0 defeat at Charlton Athletic on Wednesday extended their winless streak to six consecutive matches across all competitions. Adding to their woes, Stoke City has struggled to find the back of the net, failing to score in their last three outings. This offensive drought will be a significant hurdle to overcome against a Premier League defense.
Fulham's Premier League Pursuit
On the other side, Fulham sits comfortably in 12th place in the highly competitive Premier League table. Their FA Cup journey began with a decisive 3-1 triumph over Championship side Middlesbrough in the third round, showcasing their ability to perform against lower-league opposition. Despite their solid league standing, Fulham has also experienced a dip in form, suffering a tough 3-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City on Wednesday under manager Marco Silva. Furthermore, the Cottagers have endured three consecutive away losses and remain winless on their travels in 2026, a statistic that could offer a glimmer of hope for the home side.
Betting Odds and Insights
For those looking to place a wager on this FA Cup fixture, the betting landscape offers a clear indication of the perceived favorites. Odds courtesy of OddsWire highlight Fulham as the frontrunners, reflecting their status as a top-flight club. However, the recent struggles of both teams, particularly Fulham's away-day woes, make this a more complex prediction than the odds might initially suggest.
Stoke City vs. Fulham Game Odds (Courtesy of OddsWire):
- Stoke City to Win: [Insert Odds Here]
- Draw: [Insert Odds Here]
- Fulham to Win: [Insert Odds Here]
Prediction: A Tight Affair Expected
Predicting a winner in this FA Cup fourth-round tie is a challenging endeavor, given the current form of both Stoke City and Fulham. The Potters are struggling for wins and goals, while Fulham has shown vulnerability on the road. However, the inherent quality and experience of a Premier League side often come to the fore in cup competitions.
Despite Fulham's recent away form, they possess the superior talent and are accustomed to playing at a higher intensity. Stoke City will undoubtedly be buoyed by the home crowd and the allure of a cup upset, but their recent scoring struggles could prove to be their undoing.
Our Prediction: Stoke City 0, Fulham 1. We anticipate a low-scoring affair, with Fulham ultimately finding a way to edge past a resilient Stoke City side.
Match Details: How to Watch
For fans eager to catch this FA Cup showdown, here are the essential details:
- When: Sunday, February 15, 2026
- Where: Bet365 Stadium (Stoke-on-Trent, England)
- Time: 9 a.m. ET
- Channel/Streaming: ESPN+ (WATCH HERE)
This FA Cup fixture promises to be a captivating encounter, offering a chance for an underdog story or a demonstration of Premier League class. As both teams aim to advance in the prestigious tournament, the battle at Bet365 Stadium is set to be a keenly contested affair.
Disclaimer: Betting involves risk. Please bet responsibly and only with funds you can afford to lose. Odds are subject to change.