Championship Clash to Feature League’s Youngest Teams

Sunderland is set to host Stoke City on Saturday in a Championship fixture that will pit the division’s two youngest teams against each other. On-loan Lewis Koumas is one of a number of young players to feature prominently for Stoke this season. This season, both clubs have fielded starting elevens with an average age of 22.7, which is the lowest average in the league. For Stoke, known as the Potters, key contributors include 21-year-old forwards Tom Cannon and Bae Junho, along with midfielder Andrew Moran, also 21. Furthermore, 19-year-old Lewis Koumas, on loan from Liverpool and a Wales international, adds an extra attacking element, while 20-year-old Junior Tchamadeu has established himself in a crucial right-back position. Potters manager Narcis Pelach commented to BBC Radio Stoke, stating, “That we will see a lot of energy from both sides, because this is what young players give.” He added, “For fans, it will be an exciting game.” In Stoke’s recent home loss to Burnley, defender Ben Gibson was the sole starter exceeding 26 years of age. Stoke currently occupies 14th place in the league standings, whereas Sunderland, who previously held a leading position, is now fourth. Pelach also remarked on Sunderland’s current form, saying, “Now they are having a little bit of a down, compared to the start to the season.” He expressed his conviction that both teams will develop further as their young players accumulate more experience. Regarding his own team, Pelach affirmed, “The basics of the model are already there. We are young, we are growing. We had a very good month in November.”