Stoke City faced Coventry with Emre Tezgel making his first start for the team. Steven Schumacher also gave debuts to three summer signings. Tezgel was chosen to lead the line as Bae Junho and Sam Gallagher were out due to injuries. Ryan Mmaee, who had been dealing with injuries and illness during pre-season, was fit enough to be on the bench. Even though new signing Lewis Koumas was not registered in time for this match, he might play in the Carabao Cup first round against Carlisle on Tuesday. Viktor Johansson, Ben Gibson, and Eric Bocat were part of the starting lineup, with Junior Tchamadeu, Wouter Burger, and Lynden Gooch also included compared to the team that ended last season. Gibson was given the captain’s armband.
On the other hand, Ben Wilmot, Josh Laurent, Jordan Thompson, and Million Manhoef were among the players who started in the final day win over Bristol City. Mehdi Leris was not in the squad amid rumors of a potential move to Pisa.
The Stoke lineup against Coventry was as follows: Johansson, Tchamadeu, Bocat, Wilmot, Gibson, Thompson, Laurent, Burger, Manhoef, Gooch, Tezgel. The substitutes included Fielding, Vidigal, Baker, Johnson, Ennis, Mmaee, Sidibe, Dixon, and Anderson.
It was an interesting mix of new signings and familiar faces in the Stoke lineup, with fans eagerly waiting to see how the team would perform under the leadership of Emre Tezgel and Ben Gibson. The absence of certain players due to injuries provided an opportunity for others to step up and make an impact on the field.
Overall, the team selection by Steven Schumacher seemed to reflect a balance between experience and potential, with the hope of securing a positive result against Coventry. The fans were encouraged to share their thoughts on the lineup and offer their verdict on the XI.