Preview: Stoke City vs Walsall - prediction, team news, lineups

Stoke City will aim to begin their 2025-26 EFL Cup campaign on a positive note when they welcome League Two side Walsall to the bet365 Stadium on Tuesday evening.

The visitors, meanwhile, will be eyeing a cup upset as they look to derail the Potters’ promising start to the new season.

Match preview

One-time winners of the EFL Cup, Stoke City enter this season’s competition in the first round and will be targeting a strong run after reaching the fourth round last term, where they were knocked out by then-Premier League outfit Southampton.

For the Staffordshire club, the 2024-25 campaign ultimately brought relief, as they secured their Sky Bet Championship status with a goalless draw against Derby County on the final day. It was a season that underlined how far the Potters had fallen since their decade-long stint in the Premier League, with seven permanent managers occupying the dugout since relegation in 2018.

The appointment of Mark Robins this summer was met with optimism, given his impressive body of work at Coventry City. During nearly eight years at the helm, Robins led the Sky Blues from League Two to the Championship, achieving two promotions and guiding the club to an FA Cup semi-final.

Stoke have started the new season brightly, opening their league campaign with a 3-1 victory over Derby County after pre-season yielded mixed results: wins over Burnley and Crewe, a draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers, and defeats to Brighton & Hove Albion and Shrewsbury.

Recruitment has been active, with six summer arrivals, including experienced full-back Aaron Cresswell on a free transfer from West Ham United and forward Divin Mubama on loan from Manchester City. The return of former fan favourite Steven N’Zonzi has also boosted morale.

Walsall, meanwhile, approach the tie with mixed emotions following last season’s disappointment. Matt Sadler’s men missed out on promotion after losing the League Two playoff final to AFC Wimbledon, in which they struggled to lay a glove on their opponents.

However, they opened the new campaign with a spirited 2-1 victory over Swindon Town despite playing with 10 men from the 21st minute after Brandon Comley’s dismissal, with Connor Barrett netting a stoppage-time winner.

Their momentum stalled in their second league outing, falling 1-0 to Gillingham thanks to a Bradley Dack strike, but the Saddlers will still travel to the Potteries with belief that they can spring a surprise.

While cup competitions often provide fertile ground for underdogs, Walsall will need to produce a near-perfect display to overcome the gap in divisions, especially against a Stoke side buoyed by early-season momentum and backed by their home supporters.

Stoke City form (all competitions):

Walsall form (all competitions):

W L

Team News

Stoke may opt for rotation after their Championship opener, particularly given they were forced into four substitutions through injury during the Derby match.

Bozenik, N’Zonzi and other fringe players could be handed starts, while Cresswell may be rested to manage workload.

For Walsall, the return of Brandon Comley from suspension provides a timely boost, and Sadler is likely to name his strongest possible XI in pursuit of an upset.

Connor Barrett should retain his place after scoring on matchday one, while Jonny Stuttle may be rested for Josh Gordon.

Stoke City possible starting lineup:

Johansson; Tchamedeu, Lawal, Wilmot, Cresswell; N’Zonzi, Seko; Manhoef, Jun-Ho, Thomas; Mubama

Walsall possible starting lineup:

Roberts; Browne, Flint, Weir; Barrett, Jellis, Comley, Lakin, Hancock; Pressley, Gordon