Division Two: Burnley v Stoke City - Pete Oliver's match preview

GARY Megson has been handed the task of guiding Stoke City through troubled waters.

Megson replaced Brian Little in the summer after the former Aston Villa boss left after just one season at the Britannia Stadium.

After getting City off to a flying start last season, Little was unable to keep them in the play-off frame.

With no money to spend and a feeling of anger and resentment towards the board surrounding the club, Little had clearly had enough.

Stoke finally turned to Megson but little has changed off the pitch and there were protests again during the Potters' televised home game against Millwall following two League defeats to start the season.

Megson labelled last Sunday's fixture as one of the club's most important of recent times and his players responded by securing a 3-1 win, a result they followed up in midweek by beating Macclesfield by the same score to advance in the Worthington Cup.

Stoke may therefore have turned the corner and will be looking to continue their upturn in fortunes at Turf Moor tomorrow.

Veteran midfielder Kevin Keen, re-signed at the start of the season following his earlier release, is pressing for a recall after an impressive substitute's appearance in mid-week.

And experienced defender Nicky Mohan will also have a fitness check on a hamstring injury.

His place against Macclesfield went to Norwegain central defender Anders Jacobsen, one of only two signings Megson was able to make in the summer.

The other was a loan signing in the shape of Sunderland winger Sam Aiston, who will be looking to supply the ammunition for Peter Thorne and Paul O'Conner.

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