Stoke City and Walsall will both be looking to book their place in the second round of the EFL Cup when they clash at the bet365 Stadium on Tuesday night.
Our Stoke City vs Walsall prediction takes a closer look at how the Staffordshire hosts and their League Two visitors could fare in this first-round tie.
Stoke City vs Walsall prediction: Potters to progress comfortably
Key stats
- Our Stoke City vs Walsall betting tips factor in the Potters’ bright start to the Championship season, having opened with a 3-1 victory over Derby County.
- Mark Robins’ men have also enjoyed a productive summer transfer window, bringing in experienced campaigners like Aaron Cresswell and Steven N’Zonzi, alongside young talents such as Divin Mubama.
- Walsall, meanwhile, began their League Two campaign with a dramatic 2-1 win over Swindon despite going down to 10 men early, but fell 1-0 to Gillingham in their second outing.
- The Saddlers will arrive with belief, but overcoming a side two divisions above, especially away from home, will require near perfection.
Correct score prediction: Stoke City 3-0 Walsall
Cup matches can produce surprises, but Stoke’s depth, quality, and home advantage should tilt the balance firmly in their favour. Walsall’s energy may keep things competitive in the early stages, but the hosts’ attacking options could break them down as the match wears on.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Stoke heavily fancied
HOME: 1/3 (1.33) – 75.0%
DRAW: 4/1 (5.00) – 20.0%
AWAY: 7/1 (8.00) – 12.5%
Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
A win probability of 75% underlines Stoke’s status as strong favourites, with Walsall given just a 12.5% chance of springing an upset in the Potteries.
For more from the upcoming matches, today’s free football betting tips look at some of the best picks.
Most recent H2Hs: Stoke with the upper hand
The two clubs have met sparingly over the past two decades, but when they have, Stoke have generally had the better of it.
The Potters are unbeaten in their last four against the Saddlers, winning three of those meetings.
Club Friendly List 14/07/18
Walsall
Stoke
Stoke City preview: Rotation likely, but quality remains
Mark Robins may shuffle his pack after the Championship opener, particularly with injuries forcing four changes against Derby.
Expect fringe players like Mubama and Bozenik to get a run-out, while Nzonzi could feature from the start. Cresswell may be rested to manage his workload.
Predicted lineup: Johansson (GK), Tchamedeu, Lawal, Wilmot, Cresswell; N’Zonzi, Seko; Manhoef, Jun-Ho, Thomas; Mubama
England Championship 03/05/25
D
Derby
0
Stoke
0
England Championship 25/04/25
L
Sheff Utd
2
Stoke
0
England Championship 21/04/25
L
Leeds
6
Stoke
0
England Championship 18/04/25
W
Sheff Wed
0
Stoke
2
England Championship 12/04/25
W
Cardiff
0
Stoke
1
Walsall preview: Comley returns to bolster midfield
Brandon Comley is available again after his opening-day red card, while Matt Sadler is expected to field his strongest XI in pursuit of an upset.
Connor Barrett, the late match-winner against Swindon, should keep his place. Jonny Stuttle could make way for Josh Gordon up front.
Predicted lineup: Roberts (GK); Browne, Flint, Weir; Barrett, Jellis, Comley, Lakin, Hancock; Pressley, Gordon
England League 2 11/05/25
W
Chesterfield
0
Walsall
2
England League 2 03/05/25
W
Crewe
0
Walsall
1
England League 2 26/04/25
L
Accrington Stanley
1
Walsall
0
England League 2 21/04/25
D
Newport County
0
Walsall
0
England League 2 18/04/25
D
Harrogate Town
2
Walsall
2
Player to watch – Divin Mubama
The young forward on loan from Manchester City is tipped to get minutes here and could be a key attacking threat for Stoke.
His pace and movement will test the Walsall backline, and this tie represents an ideal chance for him to make an early mark in a Potters shirt.