We don’t have confirmed lineups or formations from the brief, but we can make educated guesses based on how these two usually set up. Stoke under their current boss — whoever that is, the brief doesn’t name him — tend to favour a solid, direct approach. Expect a back four, a midfield that works hard, and wide players who get at the full-backs. They’re not a side that overcomplicates things. They’ll look to win second balls, get crosses into the box, and make life uncomfortable for the Swansea backline.

Swansea, on the other hand, are historically a possession-based outfit. They like to keep the ball, pass it through the thirds, and control the tempo. But that style only works when the players are confident and moving well. After that cup defeat, they might be tentative. If Stoke press them high and don’t give them time on the ball, Swansea could get rattled. The midfield battle will be key — if Stoke’s double pivot can cut off the supply lines to Swansea’s creative players, the visitors will struggle to create anything meaningful.

Set pieces could be a big factor too. Stoke have always been a threat from dead balls — they’ve got big lads who attack the ball. Swansea, by contrast, can be vulnerable to physical sides. If Stoke get a few corners and free-kicks in dangerous areas, they’ll fancy their chances. The game might not be pretty, but it could be very effective for the home side.