Baines missing for Toffees
Everton left-back Leighton Baines will miss the visit of Stoke after being ruled out for up to six weeks with a broken toe.
Potential replacements in defence include Bryan Oviedo, John Stones, midfielder Gareth Barry or even centre-back Sylvain Distin.
Midfielder Darron Gibson and striker Arouna Kone (both knee) are out long term while central defender Antolin Alcaraz is edging closer to involvement in the squad having been sidelined by injury since arriving in the summer.
The Toffees are looking for a return to winning ways after three successive draws.
Like the Toffees the Potters, also unbeaten in three games, are undergoing change with a new manager this season but after a slow start Mark Hughes' methods appear to be taking effect.
"I think Stoke are starting to show they are starting to be very good, when you have been unbeaten for the time they have it shows they are clicking together," said boss Roberto Martinez.
"I think they have kept things that the team was good at in previous seasons and that makes them a strong side who can hurt you in many different ways.
"I don't think they have lost anything (in changing their style), they have added and are trying to be a bit more expansive and controlling games a bit more.
"Only time will tell but I do feel they have not made a radical change, they have adapted to a new style and whenever you face Stoke you are going to be in for a big game.
"We only added one point against Liverpool and we need to keep adding points on a consistent basis.
"We are looking forward to turning those draws into three points and making sure we become stronger as the season goes on."
Stoke go into the encounter on a high, with the Sunderland result being their first win in nine top-flight games.
But Saturday's contest looks a tough assignment for the 14th-placed Potters, given the Toffees, currently seventh, have lost only once in the Premier League this term and were last beaten at home in any competition in March.
Also, Stoke will be without some key players.
Hughes has confirmed Robert Huth is set to be out of action for "a number of weeks" due to a knee injury, with it looking likely the Potters defender will undergo surgery, while forward Marko Arnautovic is sidelined as well having sustained a hamstring strain.
Defender Marc Wilson (hip), midfielder Stephen Ireland (shin) and striker Kenwyne Jones (shoulder) are all expected to be available again after sitting out the Sunderland match.
Source: PA
Source: PA