Stoke City claim a first victory in five games to peel away from the Championship drop zone after beating Blackburn Rovers 1-0.

Follow live coverage as Stoke City face Blackburn Rovers in the Championship today. An increasingly competitive second tier in English football remains an intense and exciting competition, with the prize of a place in the Premier League on offer at the end of the season.

Ali Al-Hamadi's return to scoring form against Blackburn Rovers could provide a huge boost to both loan side Stoke City, as they look to avoid Championship relegation this season, and parent club Ipswich Town, who may need to rely on him up-front in the second tier in 2025/26.

A look at some of the key facts and statistics ahead of the Championship meeting between Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers

Ali Al-Hamadi and Viktor Johansson helped Stoke City to a massive 1-0 home win over Blackburn Rovers. Stoke took a first-half lead through tireless Al-Hamadi, rushing in at the back post to tap home a pass from Lewis Baker.

Playoff-chasing Blackburn Rovers will look to end a three-game winless run when they travel to the bet365 Stadium for Wednesday's Championship clash against Stoke City. Like their opponents, relegation-threatened Stoke will also be desperate to claim all three points after failing to win any of their last four matches.

The Stoke City manager speaks to Simon Humphreys following the Potters’ 1-0 home win.