Arismendi set for Potters bow

Uruguay international Diego Arismendi will make his eagerly awaited Stoke debut when Tony Pulis fields his shadow squad for tomorrow’s Carling Cup tie at home to Blackpool.

The 21-year-old defensive midfielder, who has impressed in two reserve outings, has been given time to settle since a £2.75m move from Club Nacional just before the transfer deadline.

None of Stoke’s starting line-up from Saturday’s draw at Bolton are likely to feature, but the fit again James Beattie, Tuncay, Liam Lawrence and Andy Wilkinson could be included.

Stoke from: Simonsen, Wilkinson, Cort, Higginbotham, Griffin, Lawrence, Arismendi, Amdy Faye, Pugh, Beattie, Tuncay, Cresswell, Tonge, Soares, Sorensen, Dickinson, Shotton, Wedderburn, Lund, Parton.