please log in to view this image WATFORD v STOKE CITY please log in to view this image Vicarage Road Stadium Saturday 17th August 2024 Kick Off : 1500 BST please log in to view this image Watford produced a five-star performance to advance into the next stage of the EFL Cup in midweek, whilst the Potters made easy work of fourth-tier opposition in the competition to progress. If it was a five-star performance on Tuesday, it was a five goal thriller last Saturday. Stoke also won, in a hard fought battle at home to Coventry. So in two games we have scored eight goals, but the hunt for a reliable goalscorer continues, we are led to believe. With plenty of concerns around the side's attacking firepower and a lack of a central striker, Stoke City are doing their utmost to keep things tidy at the back, with the Staffordshire club recording consecutive clean sheets across the Championship and EFL Cup over the past week. Team News Tom Dele-Bashiru has responded well to having to come off on Tuesday evening." "He's fine and has trained today." "Wesley Hoedt is progressing really well but won't be ready for this weekend, hopefully it will be this side of the international break. "Apart from that we've got a full squad." Yáser Asprilla has re-joined the training group and Cleverley said on the Colombian's potential selection: "That will be a late decision that we make on his fitness and mindset. "I'll sit down with him, see where his mind's at, see how his legs feel and make a decision on that." Our Officials TOM NIELD please log in to view this image Richard Wild and Nigel Lugg Fourth Official : Ben Atkinson
