Stoke will be out to erase the memory of their dismal Premier League debut when they step out at Bolton on Saturday.

Tony Pulis' team suffered a 3-1 beating at the Reebok Stadium on the opening day of last season, conceding all three goals in a nightmare spell before half-time.

Pulis admits his players will have to play "at full tilt" this time around to ensure lightning does not strike twice, although his side have improved considerably since then.

He said: "We got stuffed up there last year. We actually did okay for the majority of the game, but shipping three goals in 11 minutes killed us. We have learned a lot since then and are a better side now, but I also think Bolton have got stronger as well.

"The stats show they have scored more goals than anyone off set plays and that shouldn't come as a surprise. It's going to be a really, really tough game.

"They are a very big team with the likes of (Kevin) Davies, (Gary) Cahill, (Zat) Knight, (Tamir) Cohen, (Gretar) Steinsson and (Fabrice) Muamba. There isn't half some aerial power there. It will be a back to front game and there will be a lot of challenges in the air, so we will have to be on our mettle and stand up to be counted."