Stoke's only current summer signing Jonathan Woodgate looks set to debut for the Potters this weekend.
His competitive debut will have to wait though as he looks set to miss out on next Thursday's Europa League game with Hadjuk Split due to a lack of match sharpness.
Potters boss Tony Pulis has stated that Woodgate is making good progress with his pre-season training but is behind the other lads in terms of fitness so will stick to his own fitness plan ready for the big kick off on August 13th.
That includes a first taste of action in a City shirt, which will be at either Brentford on Friday night or Aldershot on Saturday afternoon.