STOKE'S KEY CONNECTION

Defender Bocat insists City's united squad can drive the club forward in Championship campaign

- Peter Smith

ERIC Bocat is sure competition and togetherness will keep driving Stoke City this season as he tries to give Mark Robins a selection headache.

Bocat is expected to come into the starting lineup for tonight's Carabao Cup second round tie at home against Bradford City (7.45pm), when Robins is likely to change most of the team from Saturday's Championship win at Southampton.

Forward Divin Mubama serves a one-match suspension and defender Maksym Talovierov is primed for his debut.

There will likely be a chance for new signings like Jamie Donley and Robert Bozenik to stake their claims as well as Ashley Phillips and youth graduate right-back Jaden Mears.

Under-21s wingers Favour Fawunmi and Chinonso Chibueze will be hoping there is scope to catch Robins' eye too.

Bocat, pictured, has had to be patient behind Aaron Cresswell at left-back in the league but he's not complaining as he fights to get back in.