New-entrants Stoke City will take on a formidable Aston Villa in the Premiership clash at Britannia Stadium on Saturday.

The Potters, who are back in the top-flight after 23 years, will be looking to put in a good performance in front of their fans at the 28,000-capacity stadium, after having lost in the opening game at Bolton Wanderers 3-1.

Martin O’Neill’s Villa, on the other hand, have begun their campaign in an emphatic manner as they defeated Manchester City 4-2 at Villa Park on the opening weekend with Gabriel Agbonlahor scoring a eight-minute hat-trick. And as such, will be eyeing full points on the road.

Potters boss Tony Pulis will be keen to see improvement in the defence against the Villans who have the likes of Agbonlahor and Ashley Young – players who can tear their rivals to shreds with their electrifying speed. John Carew remains a big threat in the air, and Stoke will have their task cut out to keep the trio in check.

For Stoke, Andrew Davies will be looking to impress having joined this week from Southampton. Villa will miss midfielder Steve Sidwell due to an injury.