Carlisle United v Stoke City: How to watch, TV channel, kick-off time, head-to-head stats and team news

Carlisle United will bid to spring one of the surprises of the EFL Cup opening round when they host Championship side Stoke City on Tuesday evening.

The Blues endured a torturous return to League Two on Saturday afternoon, being comprehensively beaten 4-1 by Gillingham, whilst the Potters overcame 2023/24 FA Cup semi-finalists Coventry City 1-0 in their second-tier curtain-raiser.

Stoke saw off West Bromwich Albion and Rotherham United en-route to the third round last term before succumbing to defeat against Bournemouth, with Carlisle's hopes being dashed in the first round by Harrogate Town.

How to watch Carlisle United v Stoke City and TV channel

Carlisle United v Stoke City will be shown on Sky Sports+.

Carlisle United v Stoke City kick-off time, date and venue

The EFL Cup first-round tie is set to kick off at 19:30 (BST) on Tuesday 13th August and will be played at Brunton Park, Carlisle.

Carlisle United v Stoke City stats and head-to-head record (H2H)

Tuesday's encounter in Cumbria will be the first meeting in almost 40 years with the last meeting, back in 1986, ending goalless.

Carlisle's sole victory was a 3-0 success in Division 2 12 months earlier, with the Potters easing to victory in the two earlier meetings in 1974 (2-0) and 1975 (5-2).

Blues boss Paul Simpson will be desperate for an improved performance from his side following their disappointing 4-1 opening day loss at Gillingham, whilst Steven Schumacher will be eyeing-up successive victories at the start of the 2024/25 campaign.

Carlisle United v Stoke City head-to-head record (H2H)

Carlisle United wins	1
Draws	1
Stoke City wins	2

* H2H stats refer to all competitions

Carlisle United v Stoke City team news

Carlisle United team news

Paul Simpson could shake things up as he looks for a response from his side with the likes of Georgie Kelly, Daniel Butterworth and Luke Armstrong all pushing for starts.

Goalkeeper Gabriel Breeze is likely to be handed an opportunity to start in goal whilst Sam Lavelle and Jack Ellis may also be handed starting roles after missing out against Gillingham at the weekend.

Stoke City team news

Steven Schumacher is expected to ring the changes for Stoke City following their 1-0 Championship triumph over Coventry City on Saturday.

The Potters boss could hand Liverpool loanee Lewis Koumas his debut whilst forward Ryan Mmaee is available again after injury and a bout of tonsillitis disrupted his pre-season campaign.

Youngster Sol Sidibe is also expected to be handed his first start of the season, whilst fellow Academy graduates Jadon Dixon and Freddie Anderson will both come under consideration as will Saturday's match-winner Lewis Baker, who scored just two minutes after his second half introduction.