Mark Hughes: 'Playing away could benefit us'

Stoke City boss Mark Hughes feels that playing away from home could benefit his side when they face Hull City in their Premier League clash.

The Potters suffered a defeat to Aston Villa on the opening day of the season as they struggled in the final third of the pitch, but Hughes feels that all the pressure will be on the Tigers at the KC Stadium.

Hughes told the club's official website: "Playing away from home may possibly may play into our hands a little bit. It's a very difficult fixture for us because they will be on a high having recorded a good away win against Queens Park Rangers on the opening day.

"They will be looking at this, their first home game, as a chance to put on a show for their supporters, but that may cause them a few issues if we are able to start the game strong.

"It's really just about making sure we are nice and compact, remain solid and enabling our key players to impact the game in the right areas. If we can do that then we will be fine, I'm sure."

Stoke face Hull in Humberside later today.