The nicest thing about Stoke is the A50 out of Stoke and the cricket clubs along the way. It's not a nice place to go let alone play football, even if it's a Mark Hughes brand of football now.
But this is an important game for Aston Villa and Paul Lambert. And that is why I'm not sure about what is going to happen today. The bookmakers don't even know what is going to happen today.
Which is why I think it's going to be a fun day and why there might be a surprise or two. I mean, if you look at the two sides, we're fairly evenly matched in terms of actual expectations and what both sides are likely to achieve.
But I don't think either side is going to be happy with a point. I don't think Aston Villa fans would be happy with a point, regardless of performance and I think Mark Hughes will see this as an opportunity. I think Paul Lambert will know this and he'll send them out, hopefully, to hit long and create chances.
Updates and team news
So, that is why I think it will be a fun day and in a couple of hours I'll be back with team news and throughout the match, I've got a feeling there might be quite an active conversation below.
And this is where I'm going to predict a win. I'm not sure it will happen but I've got to put my heart on my sleeve and I've got to believe we can go to a Mark Hughes team and win. We've got to believe it and I think we're going to.
I don't think the players will feel happy with a point or defeat and these players will know this is an opportunity for three points. We're away from Villa Park and this is a real chance.
And before I leave this; you've got 45 minutes to add your guess to the total attendance of all Premier League games today. Click here to have a go and there is another competition below. Total gaols today; but guess only with a number, no other comment.
Win tickets to Villa v Swansea
We've teamed up with The FA to offer one lucky fan the chance to take a mate to see Aston Villa v Swansea in the League game at Villa Park on 28 December.
To be in with a chance of winning tickets for you and a friend simply take a guess at the total number of goals that will be scored today and tomorrow in the Premier League, Championship, League One and League two. Answer below by just putting your guess in the comment form and nothing else - just your number. Whoever is first to get it right or first at getting closest, will win.
The FA is also giving under 12s the opportunity to have their own FA Cup Dreams come true, with prizes offered throughout the season including the chance to win The FA Cup in your home overnight, lift the trophy in front of your own club's fans, walk out with the players at The FA Cup Final and even win a sleepover at Wembley the night before it. Families are encouraged to enter at www.facebook.com/TheFACup.
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