Stoke are wary of Burnley opener

Coyle guided Burnley to victory in the Championship play-off final in May

Stoke City chairman Peter Coates thinks that the Potters have been handed a tough opening fixture against Premier League newcomers Burnley.

Owen Coyle will take his newly-promoted Clarets to the Britannia Stadium on 15 August for their first top-flight fixture in 33 years.

Coates told BBC Radio Stoke: "I prefer playing promoted clubs later in the season because they're on a big high.

"But it's a bit of a fairytale to see them back in the Premier League."

Coates added: "It will be a terrific atmosphere, the Burnley supporters will be in full voice, and I think that will help our supporters to get involved.

"It will also get a lot of media attention with Burnley's long absence from the Premier League."

Burnley achieved promotion through the play-offs, defeating Sheffield United 1-0 in the final at Wembley in May after finishing fifth in the Championship.

Stoke play another promoted side, Birmingham City, at St Andrew's in the first fortnight of the new season, with a trip to Anfield to face Premier League runners-up Liverpool sandwiched in between.