This is a tough game on paper for Burnley in terms of travelling to one of the Premier League’s form home sides last season. However, the Clarets will have faced direct, physical sides week in, week out in the Championship so may not be so unused to that style as many of the top teams were last season. Despite this, the Potters record at the Britannia Stadium is hard to ignore.

Owen Coyle has done an absolutely superb job at Burnley but he faces a massive task in keeping them up this season. The club have made a number of new additions without breaking the bank and we know they have an extremely fit bunch of players after an epic campaign last season in both league and cup competitions. The problem the Clarets face is that their ability to up their game to face the big boys will have been recognised by cup wins over Arsenal, Fulham, Tottenham and Chelsea, so no-one will underestimate them.

Stoke’s home record in their first season in the Premier League was quite remarkable. The Potters lost just four of their 19 games, which was only bettered by the big four and Aston Villa. They also conceded just 15 goals which is a better record than Arsenal managed. Tony Pulis’ team also won 10 home games which is the same amount as Tottenham plus more than both Everton and Aston Villa.

Stoke’s fans were exceptional in their encouragement of their team which in turn increased pressure on the away team who often wilted under the aerial bombardment from set-pieces and of course Rory Delap’s infamous long throws. Delap actually created 21 goal scoring chances from his throws, so Burnley will have to show they can deal with this obvious threat.

It’s hard to see Burnley winning this one after picking up just 7 league wins in 23 away trips last season so the smart money must be on Stoke. After all, the Potters picked up 35 of their 45 points from matches at the Britannia in 2008/09. Therefore, back the Potters on Premier 10 to bring Burnley back down to earth with a bump after an afternoon of aerial bombardment.

Alan Hansen’s Premier 10 pick: HOME WIN

Read the rest of Alan’s previews below:

Tags: Alan Hansen, Burnley, Premier 10, Stoke

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