Stoke City boss Tony Pulis admits they face a massive challenge for next season's kickoff.

The Potters take on three of last season's Champions League qualifiers in their first five games of the new season, including winners Chelsea and Premier League title holders Manchester City.

"I've got to be honest and say a promoted team away on the first day is one you would choose to avoid if you had the choice," Pulis told the Stoke website.

"Reading will be bouncing after winning the Championship, and their fans will be really up for it too. It will be a big, big test for us and one we have to be ready to face come the big kick-off."

He added: "I've got to say that our first pocket of five games is unbelievably tough.

"We play three Champions League teams in our first five fixtures, including the champions of England and the champions of Europe, so it's as tough as they come.

"And we'll certainly have to improve on our record in recent seasons against Wigan when we play at their place third match up."