Everton v Stoke preview

Jack Butland remains sidelined for Stoke but Xherdan Shaqiri could return as they prepare to face Everton in the Premier League.

The England goalkeeper is still on his way back from an ankle injury sustained in pre-season, and while Potters boss Mark Hughes is hopeful Shaqiri can feature, he will be assessed ahead of the trip. 

Stoke are yet to win in the Premier League this season – routed 4-1 by Manchester City last weekend – and will be hoping their 4-0 EFL Cup win over Stevenage can boost their chances of three points at Goodison Park.

Everton also won by the same scoreline in their EFL Cup game against Sky Bet League Two side Yeovil on Tuesday to continue their unbeaten start to the season. 

However, Toffees manager Ronald Koeman has said he is pleased with how his new side have begun under his tenure, but knows that Saturday’s game poses another tricky task.

“It’s been a good start to the season because it was difficult in pre-season. We have already played two Premier League games and I think four points out of that is positive,” he said.

“But we know we have to be prepared for the next one. The victory at West Brom gave us a lot of confidence but we know that Stoke is always a tough game. We need to be prepared for that.”

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Aside from Butland and Shaqiri, Glen Johnson is also expected to miss the next few weeks as he recovers from a thigh muscle strain and Hughes admitted the club were being careful with the defender.

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