Stoke City begin their 2014/15 season hosting Midlands rivals Aston Villa at The Britannia Stadium with the hope that they will do the same as last season when they did the double over the boys in claret and blue.
Aston Villa haven't done as much shopping as Stoke this summer and have the absence of Christian Benteke to manage as they hope to thwart Stoke's new striking line up that boasts former Barcelona youngster Bojan.
Team News
Peter Crouch could be called in to face his former team as Mark Hughes faces a selection head ache with his strike force, as Bojan and Biram Diouf could also be called upon, whilst Phil Bardsley could make his Premier League debut for Stoke along with Steve Sidewell.
Whilst Phillipe Senderos, Keiran Richardson, Cissokho and Joe Cole could all make their competitive debut's for Aston Villa tomorrow.
Stoke have no new injury concerns and boast a fully fit squad for the new season whilst Villa have Benteke and Kozak as long term absentees.
Stats
Stoke have won 5 out of their last 6 matches at home, keeping 3 clean sheets on the way.
Aston Villa have lost their last 6 away matches (failing to win 9), scoring 2 and conceding 17 in the process.
Despite suffering injury problems throughout the campaign, Benteke was still Villa’s highest goal scorer (10) and had the most shots on target (28). Second placed in the scoring chart for the Midlands club were Bacuna and Weimann, both whom played 466 and 532 more minutes respectively.
Prediction
Stoke open The Premier League a very different looking team and have many pundits predicting great things for them this term and that needs to start this weekend. Aston Villa could be boosted by their new signings but Stoke should win this 2-1.
Source: DSG
