Stoke City vs Huddersfield Town. Carabao Cup Second Round.
Bet365 StadiumAttendance7,290.
Tuesday 28 August 2018 11:49, UK
Stoke new boy Ryan Woods is not available to make his debut in the Carabao Cup clash at home to Huddersfield on Tuesday (kick-off 8pm).
The midfielder, who has arrived on loan ahead of a permanent deal in January, has already featured in the competition for Brentford and is cup-tied.
Ashley Williams returns to contention after serving a one-match suspension but Tom Ince (hamstring) misses the game against his former club. The likes of Bojan Krkic, Charlie Adam, Benik Afobe and Harry Souttar could all be used to offer fresh legs.
Huddersfield fans should get their first sight of summer signing Erik Durm at the bet365 Stadium. The 2014 World Cup winner has yet to feature in the Premier League but is set to take his place in a much-altered side missing the suspended Jonathan Hogg.
Isaac Mbenza and Danny Williams can also expect to start while Jonas Lossl will take the gloves following Ben Hamer's injury against Cardiff. Ramadan Sobhi (knee) may miss out on his Potters reunion.
Stoke beat Huddersfield at the bet365 Stadium in the Premier League last season - they haven't won consecutive home matches against the Terriers in all competitions since October 1986.
Huddersfield last faced Stoke in the League Cup in the third round in 1983-84 - they lost 2-0 in a replay after a goalless draw in the original meeting.
This is Stoke's first match outside the Premier League against a Premier League side in the League Cup since losing 8-0 to Liverpool in November 2000.
Huddersfield reached the League Cup third round last season but haven't done so in consecutive seasons since 1983-84.
Stoke manager Gary Rowett hasn't won against Huddersfield boss David Wagner in four previous meetings (W0 D3 L1).
Much needed win for Stoke at the weekend and they've got a big squad so now you'll expect rotation from Gary Rowett in spite of that. Several fringe players will hope to impress to capitalise on the feel-good factor of getting that win under their belt.
As for Huddersfield, I would expect that this competition is not a priority for them and, as such, I expect them to make a whole host of changes. They've already had their struggles so there'd be no surprise if a Championship side beat a Premier League side.
Don predicts: 2-0 (9/1 with Sky Bet)
