Mark Robins hasn't confirmed a starting XI yet, and we won't pretend he has. But the expected picture is clear: a Stoke side that wants to press high, get after Swansea's back line, and use the energy of the bet365 Stadium. Galbraith is expected to start in midfield against his former club after making his debut last weekend — that's a player with a point to prove, and we love that narrative. With four league debuts likely, there's a freshness and hunger that can be dangerous in an opener.

Swansea under Vitor Matos will likely try to keep the ball and play through midfield, but without Burgess anchoring the defence, that's a risky game. Their recent form shows they average 11 attempts per game but only 4.2 on target — plenty of shots, not enough quality. Stoke, by contrast, have been efficient: opponents have scored 2.0 goals from just 3.9 shots on goal against them, which suggests they limit clear chances. The midfield battle will be key — Stoke's energy against Swansea's possession. If Stoke can disrupt the rhythm and force turnovers high up the pitch, they'll knife through that makeshift defence.