Notts County's preparations for the new season advance to a new level this evening when Premier League newboys Stoke City come to town (7:45pm).

After claiming a 100% record from their three pre-season friendlies to date, Ian McParland's men will be facing their biggest challenge yet tonight against Tony Pulis' side.

As they prepare for their maiden season in the Premiership the Potters have splashed out £3 Million on Nigerian International Seyi Olofinjana from Wolves and £5.5 Million on Reading frontman Dave Kitson so far this summer - and more are set to follow. Sunderland goalkeeper Marton Fulop set to join Stoke in a deal reported to be around £3 Million while Danish International goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen, who left Aston Villa in the summer, is also on trial with the Potters.

Having faced Slovenian side Olimpyia Ljubijana and German outfit Wacker Burghausen in Austria earlier in the month - as well as Hucknall Town last week - the step up to face Premier League opposition is a significant increase in the preparations for the Notts squad.

Naturally the training sessions have intensified as the squad prepare for the opening day visit to Bradford City in just eleven days time, and the battle for places is equally as hot.

Tonight's game is the first chance for many to see the new squad in action for the first time, and also home debuts for Matt Hamshaw, Adam Nowland, Jamie Forrester and Jason Beardsley. Summer signing Russell Hoult, who enjoyed a successful loan spell with the Magpies from the Potters last season, will miss the opportunity to face his former club as he is still out with a stress fracture to his right leg.

Admission is on the turnstiles, costing just £10 for Adults and £5 for Concessions. Stoke City fans are housed in the Jimmy Sirrel Stand; the rest of the stadium is open to Notts supporters.

If you are away from your computer over the summer for a few weeks or just a few days, you can keep up to date with the very latest from Meadow Lane on our Official WAP Website - in conjunction with nottscountyfc.co.uk. Our WAP site can be accessed from your mobile phone by simply visiting http://mobile.nottscountyfc.co.uk - so make sure you bookmark it!