EPL: Everton v Stoke City preview

Everton v Stoke City preview

Everton, the summer's most active club in the transfer market, kick off their Premier League campaign at home to Stoke on Saturday.

Ronald Koeman has brought in no fewer than 12 new faces during this transfer window and there could yet be more new arrivals, as Everton target European qualification this term.

The Blues have drawn their opening game in the last four seasons but they have a good recent record against Stoke, collecting wins in their last three meetings including a 1-0 success in this fixture last term.

Wayne Rooney is expected to start and make his second Everton debut, some 15 years after his first as a 16-year-old, while fellow Englishmen Jordan Pickford and Michael Keane are also set for their first starts.

Midfield duo Ross Barkley (groin) and James McCarthy (knee) have both been ruled out, while Yannick Bolasie and Seamus Coleman remain sidelined though injury.

Stoke's squad has had a big shake up during the summer, with four senior players - Marko Arnautovic, Jon Walters, Glenn Whelan and Phil Bardsley - leaving for pastures new.

But three new arrivals are on course to make their debuts, with Darren Fletcher, Max Choupo-Moting and on-loan Kurt Zouma all expected to feature at Goodison Park. Mark Hughes has also confirmed that last season's big signing, Saido Berahino, is fit and available for selection.