Sports
- NewsStoke City
- Former West Ham left-back Aaron Cresswell is likely to start ahead of Eric Bocat on Saturday.
- Manchester City loanee Devin Mubama could make his debut at the head of the field, while Sorba Thomas is also set to start.
- Bosun Lawal should have a key role in Mark Robins' side this season after being a bit-part player last term.
Derby County- Callum Elder is closing in on a return to first-team training, but this game will come too soon for the left-back.
- Matt Clarke and Owen Beck are both 50/50 heading into the opening weekend of the 2025/26 campaign.
- Marquee summer signing Patrick Agyemang is among a host of Derby players unavailable heading into Saturday's trip to the bet365 Stadium.
- Facts1Stoke City have failed to score in their last 3 matches2There have been under 2.5 goals scored in 6 of Stoke's last 7 games England. Championship
- Prediction
Stoke avoided relegation to League One last term, but a return of one point in the final three games ensured that there was little optimism in the Potters' fanbase heading into the summer. Mark Robins still has a long way to go to win over the fans, although the additions of Aaron Cresswell and Divin Mubama are a step in the right direction.
Derby looked a much more organised and hard-to-break-down side after John Eustace's arrival at the back end of the 2024/25 campaign, and the Rams are ready to take another leap up the table this year. This ambition is demonstrated by the high-profile signing of Charlotte striker Patrick Agyemang.