Stoke fan here.
Yes, we do view this as one of our biggest games. To be honest, I thought i was a cracking atmoshere at Wembley and i was pleased that most of us stayed behind after the game.
I came to your place for the last game of last season and thought both sets of fans were magnificent. Unfortunately, the press didn't report on the fact that Man City were good enough to play Delilah before the game or that we joined in with the proznan.
Someone on here was asking about a beer before the game; i've no idea where you were escorted to from Stoke station, but i wouldn't recommend any pubs in Stoke itself, it's purley home pubs only. If coming by car i'd stop off on the way. There is a Powerleague near the Britt where both home and away fans mix quite freely and there is also a Harvester pub a few yards from the ground where home and away mix. But both bars get very busy!
There is a bar at the ground of course, but like most bars at grounds it's expensive.
Dunno what you all think, but 5.30 KO generally seem to to generate a better atrmosphere.