Stoke City will face Everton in their third pre-season fixture at the bet365 Stadium on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. The Championship side finished 17th in the 2025 season with 55 points, 15 wins, 10 draws, and 21 losses, ending the campaign on a poor run of form (LLLLD).
What’s at stake for Stoke City?
This friendly serves as a key fitness test for Stoke City ahead of the new Championship season. Manager Alex Neil will use the match to assess his squad’s readiness, particularly after a challenging 2025 campaign where they narrowly avoided relegation. The Potters scored 51 goals and conceded 56, finishing 40 points behind leaders Coventry.
Everton’s pre-season progress
Everton, preparing for their Premier League campaign, will look to fine-tune their tactics against Championship opposition. Manager Sean Dyche has been rotating his squad, with youngster Tyrique George impressing in recent friendlies. The Toffees are still in the market for reinforcements, particularly at right-back and striker.
Key players to watch
For Stoke City, midfielder Lewis Baker and striker Tyrese Campbell will be ones to watch as they aim to secure starting spots. Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Amadou Onana have stood out in pre-season, while Dwight McNeil showed promise in their last outing.
What’s next for Stoke City?
After this fixture, Stoke City will shift focus to their Championship opener. Their next competitive match is away at Sheffield United on February 20, 2027, where they’ll face a side that finished 13th last season.
