Stoke City chief Tony Scholes admits new manager Mark Hughes will face a baptism of fire for next season's start.

The Potters travel to Liverpool in Hughes' first league game in charge of the Staffordshire club on 17 August.

Manchester City visit on 14 September before Arsenal host Stoke a week later.

"It's a tough start as we play three of the so-called big clubs in our first five games, but we're looking forward to the challenge," Scholes said.