Gary Rowett to make 4 changes – Strongest 4-3-3 Stoke City XI to face Nottingham Forest

Predicted Stoke City line-up to face Nottingham Forest in the League Cup

Stoke City were once again poor as the Potters were beaten 3-2 by Blackburn Rovers in the weekend. Gary Rowett’s men are now languishing right above the relegation zone and need to find some consistency in their displays.

The Potters come up against an in-form Nottingham Forest side in the League Cup this week. Aitor Karanka’s men are on the back of a 1-0 win against Rotherham United and will be in full confidence.

Team News

Apart from Ibrahim Afellay, James McClean and Sam Clucas, Stoke have a fully fit and firing squad. Manager Gary Rowett could field a strong team in order to see out a win. A couple of changes are definitely expected as the Potters have another league game approaching them this weekend.

Probable Stoke City XI

Jack Butland (GK)

Butland should continue in goal despite showing a patchy form. West Brom are already in deep trouble and cannot afford slip-ups.

Cuco Martina (RB)

Martina has looked energetic and lively after making the loan switch from Everton. He should continue at right-back for this game.

Ryan Shawcross (CB)

Shawcross will continue to lead the line from the back but needs to show more concentration and focus in this game.

Ashley Wiliams (CB)

Williams possesses a vast amount of experience in the Premier League and he should partner Shawcross at the back.

Erik Pieters (LB)

The 30-year-old’s marauding runs down the flank have often been fruitful for the Potters this season. More of the same is what Rowett will want.

Peter Etebo (RCM)

Etebo’s defensive work rate needs to be impressive against Nottingham Forest. They tend to click in the midfield and Etebo can play a major role.

Darren Fletcher (CM)

Fletcher will command the midfield. He will ensure stability and cohesion in the middle of the park.

Joe Allen (LCM)

Allen’s passing and distribution are unrivalled in the squad. He will be aiming to pick the locks against Forest.

Tom Ince (RW)

Ince picked up a goal against Blackburn but it was unable to hand them a point. He will be rearing to get another one against Forest.

Sadio Berahino (ST)

Berahino has now scored two goals after ending his massive drought. He should start this game.

Read more: Brilliant Butland, Fantastic Allen – The best & the worst rated Stoke players in the 1-0 win vs Swansea

Bojan (LW)

The former Barcelona winger should be deployed on his favoured left wing. He is capable of scoring and also providing for his teammates.