For the season opener away at Millwall, Michael O'Neill started new signings Morgan Fox and John Obi Mikel. The match was a cagey affair with few chances and it unsurprisingly ended in a goalless draw. Stoke produced a poor performance in the first home game of the campaign against Bristol City, with the Robins winning 2–0 with goals from Nahki Wells and Andreas Weimann. Stoke earned their first victory of the campaign away at Preston North End on 26 September. Preston started the match the better team but the match turned in Stoke's favor after Tom Barkhuizen was sent-off in the 22nd minute for a tackle on Morgan Fox. Stoke went on to win 1–0 with a close range finish from Lee Gregory. October Stoke faced Birmingham City in the first match in October and despite having the better possession and chances they were frustrated by a well disciplined Birmingham side and they took the lead through a Harlee Dean header. O'Neill brought on Powell from the bench and he scored in the 86th minute to help Stoke earn a 1–1 draw. Following the international break, Stoke travelled to Luton Town where former manager Nathan Jones had returned to. After an uneventful first half Stoke scored twice early in the second through Fletcher and Powell to see out a 2–0 victory. Four days later they took on Barnsley and poor defending cost them in the first half as Elliot Simões gave the Tykes the lead before Campbell equalised just before half time only for Dominik Frieser to score in stoppage time. A mistake from Jack Walton just after half time allowed Tommy Smith to score his first goal for the club. Nathan Collins was sent-off for an off the ball incident with Frieser and Stoke were able to see out a 2–2 draw. Collins' red card was later rescinded by the FA. Stoke put in a fine performance against promotion favorites Brentford and were 3–0 up after goals from Campbell, Fletcher and McClean before a late brace from Marcus Forss ensured a nervy finish but Stoke were able to gain a 3–2 win. City then produced an abject performance away at Swansea City where they lost 2–0 without having a shot on target. Stoke ended October with a 1–0 win against Rotherham United with a long kick from Angus Gunn being lobbed into the Millers net by McClean. November Stoke