Tony Pulis predicts "tough" Everton battle

Stoke City manager Tony Pulis has said he is aware of the task that awaits his team at Goodison Park this afternoon.

The Potters travel to Merseyside without a win in their last four Premier League games, which leaves them in danger of being sucked into the relegation battle.

Pulis believes that the Toffees have enough quality to cope without key players Marouane Fellaini and Steven Pienaar, who will miss the game through suspension.

"We've got some tough away matches, starting this weekend, and any points that we get in those games will be a bonus," Pulis told reporters.

"Everybody is talking about the fact that Fellaini and Pienaar are suspended, but they are not where they are without having a good squad.

"They have a lot of quality all around the park and we know we're in for a tough battle."

Stoke have not lost to Everton since 2010.