Stoke City will be looking to build on their positive start to the season when they face Carlisle United in the EFL Cup first round on Tuesday evening.
While the Potters got off to a winning start in the Championship, the home side were comprehensively defeated in their first match back in League Two.
Match preview
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Having guided Stoke to safety during the 2023-24 run-in, Steven Schumacher effectively has a clean slate at the bet365 Stadium to put together a team capable of challenging for promotion.
The early signs are good with regards to that target, with the Potters beginning the new season with a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Coventry City.
Lewis Baker netted the only strike of the game with 12 minutes remaining as a Stoke side that appears far from the finished article came through with maximum points.
Schumacher will want to use the market until its final day, yet an eye-catching loan was made on Saturday as young Wales international Lewis Koumas joined on loan from Liverpool.
In their six seasons back in the Championship, Stoke have only failed to get past the first round of this competition on one occasion, with a run to the third round materialising last season.
Meanwhile, Carlisle marked their return to the fourth tier of English football by succumbing to a 4-1 reverse at the hands of Gillingham.
Jon Mellish's goal in the 65th minute kept the visitors competitive, yet they ultimately went down in discouraging fashion.
Paul Simpson has been left in no doubt that the campaign could be a long one for Carlisle unless they get back on track, but an array of eye-catching signings will be given time to settle.
Carlisle have not recorded a competitive win at Brunton Park since January 1, highlighting how they are lacking momentum after their dismal League One campaign.
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Simpson should make numerous changes to his Carlisle XI, including bringing two of Georgie Kelly, Daniel Butterworth and Luke Armstrong into his attack.
Young goalkeeper Gabriel Breeze could start between the sticks, while Sam Lavelle will expect to feature in the back three.
Jack Ellis may also get the nod over Archie Davies at right-back.
Schumacher will also not be shy in making alterations with Baker, Daniel Johnson and Niall Ennis all expected to feature in midfield and attack.
Andre Vidigal should also play on the flank, with youngster Sol Sidibe coming into the engine room having penned a new contract in the summer.
While another prospect or two may also feature, there are at least half-a-dozen players on the sidelines through injury, including new signing Sam Gallagher.
Carlisle United possible starting lineup:
Breeze; Ellis, Hayden, Lavelle, Mellish, Williams; Vela, Barclay, Neal; Kelly, Butterworth
Stoke City possible starting lineup:
Fielding; Tchamadeu, Wilmot, Gibson, Bocat; Baker, Sidibe; Vidigal Johnson, Gooch; Ennis
We say: Carlisle United 1-3 Stoke City
While much could depend on the strength of the two starting lineups, it may only act as a way of closing up the scoreline. We are backing Stoke to come through this contest in convincing style, taking an early lead and easing to a comfortable victory.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
