Tony Pulis: 'Our Premier League fixtures are unbelievably tough'

Stoke City manager Tony Pulis believes that his side's start to the season is "unbelievably tough".

The Potters will go up against Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea in the first five games of the new 2012-13 season, which begins on August 18.

"I've got to say that our first pocket of five games is unbelievably tough," said Pulis. "We play three Champions League teams in our first five fixtures, including the champions of England and the champions of Europe, so it's as tough as they come.

"And we'll certainly have to improve on our record in recent seasons against Wigan when we play at their place third match up."

Stoke finished 14th in the table last season.