Arismendi set for Potters bow

Posted Tuesday, September 22, 2009 by PA

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 #2.75million 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.

Blackpool thumped Wigan 4-1 in the second round and will travel to Stoke in confident mood after victories over Newcastle and Nottingham Forest.

Pulis, who is set to field his second string side, said: "It's going to be a very tough game. Reidy (Stoke's assistant manager Peter Reid) saw them beat Newcastle and was very impressed.

"Blackpool are physically very strong and I'm not surprised they are giving everyone a run for their money. Ollie's building a good side and we will have our hands full."

Many of Stoke's shadow side will be in the shop window tomorrow as Pulis looks to trim a squad which has nudged over the 30 mark after the captures of Tuncay, Robert Huth and Danny Collins.

Pulis said: "There are players who we would allow out on loan and there are players who will be doing their utmost to get back into our side.

"The team we put out will be very competitive and have something to prove, so I'm looking forward to a good game."

Blackpool manager Ian Holloway will be without defender Ian Evatt when his side travel to Stoke in the Carling Cup third round.

The centre-back sustained a hamstring injury during Saturday's 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest and was withdrawn in the first half.

He is set for at least a fortnight on the sidelines and Rob Edwards, who came off the bench to replace Evatt on Saturday, will start at the Britannia Stadium.

Holloway is set to again be missing a number of players through injury as defender Danny Coid (tibia), midfielder Ishmel Demontagnac (hamstring) and forwards Ben Burgess (knee), Daniel Nardiello (hip), Gary Taylor-Fletcher (ankle ligaments) and Stephen McPhee (knee) could all remain sidelined.

Arsenal refused Blackpool permission to play on-loan midfielder Jay Emmanuel-Thomas against Wigan in the previous round but are hoping they will allow him to feature against Stoke.