Pulis wants to avoid second-season syndrome

Stoke manager Tony Pulis has urged his players, and the club's vociferous fans, to reproduce the siege mentality which saw them suprise many pundits last season, finishing 11 points clear of the drop zone. Pulis, whose side host new boys Burnley today, said: "The statistics show the second year is the most difficult and I want to make absolutely sure that no one takes things for granted. I've already had other managers on to me saying our players and fans won't reach the same heights. We have to prove those people wrong." Burnley manager Owen Coyle is happy to carry the underdogs tag this season. He said: "It's not always about having the best individuals. It's about the best team." Stoke v Burnley, KO 6pm, Showsasha