Preview

 

Sports Mole previews Saturday's pre-season friendly clash between Stoke City and Fleetwood Town, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Stoke City and Fleetwood Town continue their pre-season preparations with a behind-closed-doors friendly at the bet365 Stadium on Saturday.

While the Potters will be participating in their third fixture of the summer, their League One opponents will be competing in their fourth outing.

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Match preview

There will be those at Stoke - perhaps even the man himself - who were surprised that Michael O'Neill retained his job in the dugout, but the club's hierarchy are hoping that continuity finally pays off this campaign.

The Potters were undoubtedly one of the most under-performing sides in the second tier last season, finishing in 14th position when the playoffs had been expected as a bare minimum.

As it stands, six players who had regular roles in the first team have departed the club, and a mix of youth and experience have been introduced in their place.

The acquisitions of centre-back Aden Flint and midfielder Josh Laurent have the potential to be key signings, while Harry Clarke is being tipped to make the step up after his arrival on loan from Arsenal.

Stoke have endured mixed fortunes in pre-season thus far, a 2-0 victory over Cork City being followed by a defeat to Accrington Stanley by the same scoreline.

From Fleetwood's perspective, recently-appointed head coach Scott Brown wasted no time in taking a look at his squad in action this summer.

Their schedule started against Tranmere Rovers on July 2, and a win, draw and defeat have come from their opening triple-header.

Last time out, Fleetwood posted a notable 3-0 victory in Croatia against second-tier outfit HNK Orijent 1919, bouncing back from a 2-0 reverse versus Rotherham United.

As many as seven players have come through the arrival door at Highbury, including that of former Preston North End full-back Josh Earl.

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Team News

Having only played 45 minutes on Wednesday, Phil Jagielka, Ben Wilmot, Demeaco Duhaney and Lewis Baker may retain their spot in the Stoke XI.

However, the likes of Flint, Jacob Brown and Jordan Thompson could all drop to the substitutes' bench after playing over three quarters of the previous game.

Liam McCarron, who has joined from Leeds United, will also be hoping for a longer opportunity at the weekend.

Josh Edwards could miss out for Fleetwood after going off injured during the final game of the pre-season tour of Croatia.

Danny Andrew stands to come into the team, and although the likes of Earl and Daniel Batty may be handed recalls, Brown could opt to stick with the majority of the players who started versus HNK Orijent 1919.

Stoke City possible starting lineup:
Bonham; Jagielka, Clarke, Wilmot; Duhaney, Baker, Kilkenny, Laurent, Tymon; Campbell, Wright-Phillips

Fleetwood Town possible starting lineup:
Lynch; Rooney, Holgate, Johnson, Andrew, Baggley, Vela, Wiredu, Lane, J.Garner, Hayes

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We say: Stoke City 1-1 Fleetwood Town

With both teams having game time in their leagues, this should turn out to be a competitive encounter, particularly without the benefit of a crowd. Although Stoke possess the better quality, Fleetwood's extra sharpness could contribute to them earning a share of the spoils.

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