Pennant banking on home form

20 July 2011 11:35
Jermaine Pennant hopes home advantage in the Europa League clash with Hajduk Split will compensate for being behind them in terms of fitness.[LNB] The Croatians kicked off their league campaign on Tuesday while the Potters will play their fourth pre-season friendly against Newcastle Town on Wednesday.[LNB]But being at home - where Stoke are so formidable - in the first leg of their third-round Europa League qualifier should help balance things out according to Pennant.[LNB]"Playing them at home first will be an advantage," the midfielder told The Sentinel.[LNB]"Hopefully we can get a win at the Britannia and a nice, comfortable lead to take over there.[LNB]"They are the best team in the group of teams we could have drawn but no team likes to come to the Britannia - top teams like Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal have all struggled.[LNB]"Although they will probably have a head start we've still got three games before we play them so by July 28 we'll be ready."[LNB]

Source: Team_Talk