Writer: Chris Baldwin 
Date:Saturday August 15 2009
Time: 12:09PM
Britannia Stadium
15th August 2009
3pm
It may still be the middle of the English 'summer', but here we go again as the Potters kick off their second season in the Premier League (doesn't that sound good!)
Only Dean Whitehead to show for their buying efforts so far this season, but with Dave Kitson's three goals in pre-season is he a player reborn? Time will tell.
The Clarets will still be on a high after the excitement of their unlikely promotion via the play-offs but hopefully we'll be more than a match to be able to puncture their balloon with another great Brit home crowd behind the team.
Should I be worried after reading far too many quotes from all those pundits who slagged us off last season and now reckon we're going to be safe this time around?
Glenn Whelan played a full 90 minutes in Ireland's friendly against Australia in midweek and may make way for new signing, Dean Whitehead in midfield. Danny Higginbotham is the only injury doubt as he shrugs off a slight hamstring strain but has been training.
amady Sidibe is the only definite casualty as he recovers from his knee operation at the start of the year.
The choice up front may give a small pointer to Kitson's future. Will Tony Pulis take into account his three goals in pre-season and leave Ricardo Fuller on the bench or stick with the tried and tested formula of Fuller and James Beattie up front?
Abdoulaye Faye is likely to be named (not surprisingly) as the new permanent Stoke captain before the game.
Most fans will be getting their first sight of the Potters' summer signing. The former Black Cats' skipper is regarded by many as another good Pulis signing in the same vein as Abdy Faye last year.
Burnley boss Owen Coyle has a shortage of defenders after Steven Caldwell injured his groin during Scotland's 4-0 World Cup defeat in midweek.
Michael Duff will miss out with an ankle injury and new signing David Edgar is suspended.
Stoke fans will be looking out for Pato and hoping that he will not be claiming his first Premier League goal at the Brit.
Steve Bennett
Wednesday 19th August: Liverpool (away) kick-off: 7.45pm
Saturday 22nd August: Birmingham (away) kick-off: 3pm
Saturday 29th August: Sunderland (home) kick-off: 3pm
Oppositions view vs Southampton (Away) (Saturday May 18 2013)
Stoke players make pigs ear of prank... (Friday May 17 2013)
NEW POLL: Do you like the new Adidas away kit? (Friday May 17 2013)
Begovic wins Vital Stoke Player of the Season (Friday May 17 2013)
Stoke to embark on second US pre season tour (Thursday May 16 2013)
Ref Watch: Probert to officiate Saints fixture (Thursday May 16 2013)
Player of the Season- Editors choice (Thursday May 16 2013)
Stoke to wear next season away shirt at Soton (Wednesday May 15 2013)
Pulis absent from End of Season Awards evening (Wednesday May 15 2013)
POLL: End of Season Awards- Player of the Season (Tuesday May 14 2013)
| 1. | lloyd_17 | 6 |
| 2. | The cord kid | 4 |
| 3. | Benllech | 1 |
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| Stoke | 1 | - | 2 | Spurs |
| Sunderland | 1 | - | 1 | Stoke |
| Stoke | 1 | - | 0 | Norwich |
| Q.P.R. | 0 | - | 2 | Stoke |
| Stoke | 0 | - | 2 | Man Utd |
| Team | P | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
| 10. West Ham | 38 | 12 | 10 | 16 | -8 | 46 |
| 11. Norwich | 38 | 10 | 14 | 14 | -17 | 44 |
| 12. Fulham | 38 | 11 | 10 | 17 | -10 | 43 |
| 13. Stoke | 38 | 9 | 15 | 14 | -11 | 42 |
| 14. Southampton | 38 | 9 | 14 | 15 | -11 | 41 |
| 15. Aston Villa | 38 | 10 | 11 | 17 | -22 | 41 |
| 16. Newcastle | 38 | 11 | 8 | 19 | -23 | 41 |
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