Boss Tony Mowbray can understand fans' ill-feeling towards Stoke boss Alex Neil given the nature of his Sunderland exit, but does not expect the Scot to be intimidated by his reception.
Neil will bring his Potters side to the Stadium of Light on Saturday, having departed just weeks into the season.
The 41-year-old had guided the Wearsiders to promotion last term after four years stuck in League One.
"He won't be sitting on the back row of the bench," Mowbray said.
"[With] Alex's personality, without knowing him really close though I've managed against his teams a lot, I'm pretty sure he'll be right on the edge of the touchline.