Blackpool predicted line-up vs Stoke City as Arsenal loanee addition brings midfield options

Blackpool face their first away trip of the new Championship season as they travel to Stoke City on Saturday.

Buoyed by an opening weekend victory over Reading, the Seasiders face a step up in test against a physical outfit as Michael Appleton continues to look for gradual process in his new-look 4-3-3 system. Charlie Patino's loan arrival from Arsenal brings competition for places in the heart of midfield but given he has only just arrived this week, the EFL Cup tie against Barrow in midweek may serve as a more ideal first start for the 18-year-old.

The Seasiders will be keen to impose their attacking game on the Potters who are under pressure from their supporters to bounce back from the defeat at Millwall on the opening weekend. Michael O'Neill's side have freshened up in a number of areas with practically an entirely new central midfield trio to that which Blackpool dispatched on their last outing at Stoke last campaign.

Jordan Gabriel is making significant progress from his hamstring injury but this game will probably come too soon for a player who has missed the entirety of Blackpool's pre-season campaign, likewise James Husband is making similar progress on the opposite flank. That will mean Callum Connolly remains at right full back, where he impressed against the Royals, with a similarly impressive debutant in Dominic Thompson no doubt retaining his place on the opposite side.

Richard Keogh remains a doubt for this trip having been initially expected to be available for selection so Marvin Ekpiteta and Rhys Williams will continue their partnership from the first game of the season - Jordan Thorniley of course another available option if required.

The central midfield three brings the most question marks with