Friday 3 November 2017 11:22, UK
Stoke City manager Mark Hughes is targeting back-to-back Premier League victories when they play Leicester on Saturday, live on Sky Sports.
Hughes' side had lost four of their previous five top-flight matches - including a 7-2 drubbing at Manchester City and a 4-0 defeat at home to Chelsea - before they won 1-0 at Watford last week.
That result leaves Stoke 14th in the table and three points above the relegation zone going into the weekend's action.
Hughes is hoping his players can build on the positive result at Vicarage Road when they face a Leicester side looking to secure consecutive wins themselves, after they defeated Everton 2-0 last time out under the guidance of new boss Claude Puel.
"We needed a reaction against Watford and that's what we got with the manner of our performance," said Hughes.
"We were able to put in a strong display last weekend and picked up a result some felt we weren't capable of.
"Winning games back to back is never easy in the Premier League but with a win away from home last weekend we hope to win again tomorrow.
"We're back on track. We're Stoke City, we won't win every game but we won't lose every game either.
"Make no doubt about it we will face a good side tomorrow in Leicester City. They have plenty of options and good players."
The win over Watford was marred slightly by an incident in stoppage-time that saw both sides involved in a brawl when Hornets striker Troy Deeney refused to give the ball back, after Stoke had put the ball out for a Watford player to receive treatment.
Both clubs were subsequently charged by the FA with failing to control their players, while Deeney was handed a three-match ban after he admitted a charge of violent conduct after tangled with Joe Allen in an incident that was missed by the match officials.
Hughes is waiting to hear what punishment, if any, Stoke will face for their part in the day's events, but insists he was not trying to get Deeney into trouble after he called his actions "unpleasant".
"Everybody knows when a lot of players come together it's unsightly. It's not the image the Premier League wants to see," added Hughes.
"If we are charged we will take the punishment but I think there were mitigating circumstances."
"I wasn't trying to get him [Deeney] banned. I think he was right not to appeal. It's an emotional game and he got a bit carried away.
"He did an incorrect thing and now he has to take his punishment."
Watch Stoke v Leicester on Saturday. Coverage begins on Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Mix at 11:30am.
