Clarets could face backlash

The Potters are still smarting from a shock Worthington Cup first round exit at Bury on Tuesday night when they were beaten 1-0 by the Shakers.

However, Potters boss Steve Cotterill was insisting that his side could bounce back and the the Clarets may be the ones to suffer.

"The result was very disappointing, but we have to carry on until we turn the corner," said Cotterill.

"We will stick together in the dressing room and the players will continue to work hard for each other and the team as a whole."

Cotterill, who took over at Stoke after lifting Cheltenham from non-League obscurity into the league, will be without striker Chris Greenacre and youngster Gareth Owen for the trip north, but includes in his armoury former Clarets frontman Andy Cooke.

And he was also still have at his disposal Brynjar Gunnarsson despite the midfielder's dismissal for a challenge that earned him a straight red card in the cup clash at Gigg Lane.

The Potters have decided against an appeal and the Icelander could face a three-match ban that may take in matches against Nottingham Forest, Reading and Crystal Palace.

"We are not worrying about that right now," said Cotterill.

"We still have Brynjar for the next couple of games and we have other things to worry about at the moment."

The Turf Moor meeting is important to both clubs as they attempt to improve on poor starts to the campaign.

The Clarets, who look set to have Paul Cook back in the centre of midfield as he returns from suspension, are second bottom with four points and the Potters are just three places and two points better off.

However, Stoke boss Cotterill was confident that his side could live at the higher level following their promotion from Division Two through the play-offs last season.

"We are finding it a bit difficult at the moment, and there's no getting away from that," admitted the City chief.

"But the players know I'm right behind them and the fans are too and we have to work to try and turn the corner."