Stoke City vs Wolverhampton Wanderers: Pre-season friendly preview, 2025
LOULE, PORTUGAL - JULY 11: Vitor Pereira, Jose Sa, Dan Bentley, Sam Johnstone, Tom King, Matt Doherty, Santiago Bueno, Emmanuel Agbadou, Yerson Mosquera, Toti, Bastien Meupiyou, Pedro Lima, Marshall Munetsi, Boubacar Traore, Andre, Joao Gomes, Jean Ricner Bellegarde, Fer Lopes, Jorgen Strand Larsen, Hee Chan Hwang, Sasa Kalajdic, Rodrigo Gomes, Goncalo Guedes, Enso Gonzalez during the Wolverhampton Wanderers Pre-Season Training Session on July 11, 2025 in Loule, Portugal. (Photo by Wolverhampton Wanderers FC/Wolves via Getty Images)

Wolves are yet to find their feet in pre-season after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Santa Clara in Algarve, with Sasa Kalajdzic making his mark on the scoresheet.

On the other hand, Stoke overcame Crewe Alexandra in a 2-1 midweek game, goals coming from Bosun Lawal and Sorba Thomas.

Vítor Pereira’s side are yet to give Wolves fans something to get excited about as the start of the season gets closer after a loss and a draw during their Portugal training camp.

Following their defeat to Santa Clara, Wolves settled for a draw against newly promoted Burnley, Jørgen Strand Larsen grabbing the only goal for Wolves this time round.

However, Wolves fans have had some enjoyment as the signing of Jhon Arias was confirmed as he becomes the Vítor Pereira’s second summer signing.

Stoke’s first win didn’t come until their fourth game after they lost 1-0 to Shrewsbury, lost 3-1 to Brighton & Hove Albion and then The Potters took an absolute beating after losing 5-0 to Liverpool.

Last time these two teams met, it was Stoke who came out victorious in and empty Molineux 1-0 in the EFL Cup second round during the 2020-21 season.

  • Team News

Stoke

On Wednesday, Stoke confirmed they had re-signed Tottenham Hotspur defender, Ashley Phillips on loan and he is expected to get a few minutes under his belt against Wolves.

Divin Mubama who is also on loan to Stoke from Manchester City, is expected to lead the line again.

Wolves

The highly awaited signing of Jhon Arias has now been confirmed, but isn’t expected to join up with the squad until next week. Unlikely that he would also play in Wolves’ next friendly against RC Lens.

Enso Gonzalez and Yerson Mosquera are in their own training after their own severe knee problems and Leon Chiwone is still on his way to recovery after his cruciate ligament injury.

Fer Lopez is expected to retain his spot next to Marshall Munetsi in order to support Strand Larsen.

  • Possible lineups

Stoke

Bonham; Tchamadeu, Wilmot, Lawal, Bocat; Baker, Pearson, Seko; Manhoef, Mubama, Thomas

Wolves

Johnstone; Doherty, Agbadou, Toti; Hoever, Andre, Gomes, Bellegarde; Lopez, Munetsi; Larsen

  • Key players

Stoke City - Sorba Thomas

After scoring in Stoke’s victory against Crewe Alexandra the Welshman will be looking to get more goals and produce impressive performances in order to build his confidence ahead of the start of the Championship season.

Thomas will be looking to give Stoke some more hope ahead of their preparations with Stoke only having one more friendly after Wolves.

In Ligue 1 last season Sorba Thomas grabbed himself a goal and three assists from 25 games, 15 of which he started.

Wolverhampton Wanderers - Joao Gomes

Joao Gomes has played a key part for Wolves, and he will be looking to continue to build on his performances from last season.

Last season, The Brazilian registered three goals and an assist, but his ability to be a real powerhouse in the middle of the field doesn’t go unnoticed.

Although, Gomes hadn’t received overwhelming attention from bigger clubs last season, Juventus was linked to the Brazilian however, Wolves remained adamant that he is not for sale.

  • Match Details

Where is the game being played?

The game will take place at the Bet365 Stadium, Stoke-On-Trent, England.

What time is kick-off?

The game will kick-off at 15:00 (3pm) on Saturday 26th July 2025.

How can I watch the game?

Coverage of the game can be streamed from Stoke’s official website and app or Wolves TV.