Since being relegated from the Premier League four years ago, Stoke have finished no higher than 14th place in the Championship.
In fact, they ended their last two campaigns in 14th position, but they will be aiming to push into the top half of the table this term.
However, to achieve a top 12 finish, Stoke will need to avoid too many performances like the one they offered up in their season opener against Millwall.
Poor defending from set-pieces ultimately cost the Potters, who conceded two Charlie Cresswell goals from corner-kicks, which condemned them to a 2-0 away defeat.
As they turn their attention to their first home game of the season, Stoke will look to draw inspiration from the end of last season when they lost just one of their final five home matches.
While Stoke were unable to achieve a positive result last weekend, Blackpool got off to a winning start under new manager Michael Appleton.
The former Lincoln City boss took over the reins from Neil Critchley, who joined Aston Villa as Steven Gerrard’s assistant manager.
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Appleton began his tenure with a home encounter against Reading, and it proved to be a successful outing, with a ninth-minute Callum Connolly strike guiding Blackpool to a 1-0 victory.
After winning his opening match in his second spell as Blackpool boss, Appleton will now set about achieving a successful away result on Saturday.
The Tangerines only managed to win five away league games last season, and an improvement in their away form this season could see them operate in the top half of the table.
