Two former Potters make a return to the Britannia Stadium tomorrow in a Sheffield Wednesday side that are struggling in the Championship.

Following a good season last campaign, the Owls are currently languishing in 23rd place having won just two of their opening ten games.

In a bid to stop the rot, boss Brian Laws called upon the loan services of experienced duo Michael Johnson and Graham Kavanagh, with the Irish midfielder knowing all to well about the relegation dogfight that could lie ahead.

"I've been in one of those before, at Stoke; they're horrible; they mean a lot of sleepless nights and heartache."

"The situation at the moment is grim because of the position we're in, and the last performance wasn't up to scratch.

"We need to put it right. The next three games will shape the rest of the season. If it doesn't happen for us in this next week, we're in a relegation fight from now to the end of the season."

Further up the field and striker Deon Burton also knows all about life at the Britannia Stadium following a successful spell in Staffordshire back in 2002.

The Jamaican scored in the play-off semi final and final when the Potters were promoted back to the Championship, but despite this the 30-year old is aiming to turn around Wednesday's recent form by picking the win on Saturday.

"I have some good memories of my time at Stoke but all I will be focussed on is getting three points," Deon admitted.

"Every game is important, but this one is even more so because we are going into it on the back of a bad result against Leicester and we are looking to turn things around."

Whether or not that can be done remains to be seen and Owls Assistant Manager Russ Wilcox knows the full extent of the task ahead.

"This week has been all about focussing on the positives.

"What we've been saying to our players is 'you are good players and we are a good team'.

"Stoke have been on a good run, they're the form team, unbeaten in seven, but records are there to be broken."