Friday 5 December 2014 18:49, UK
Mark Hughes is hopeful Stoke fans will help lift his side for the clash with Arsenal at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday.
The Potters have lost just one of the last eight matches at home against Arsenal, and Hughes believes the hostile atmosphere helps.
Britannia regulars have been unforgiving to Arsene Wenger and his team since the Arsenal boss criticised Stoke’s style of play under previous manager Tony Pulis.
Keeping that run going would be particularly timely as Stoke look to return to winning form after losing the last three games.
After losing their last home match to Burnley, Stoke have suffered narrow losses on the road against Liverpool and Manchester United, leaving them only three points above the relegation places.
"This fixture always seems to generate a really good atmosphere," Hughes said.
"It started before my time I would suggest. It's an incredible atmosphere inside the stadium for matches like this and it takes a good team to deal with it.
"For the most part Arsenal are an outstanding team but in recent times we've done very well. The help we've had from our crowd has been part of that. It's a huge part when you're trying to get positive results. I enjoy coming up against them and I am sure the lads do, too.
"We are performing well at the moment - we just aren't converting our chances when they come along. From my experience in the game, these runs can't keep on going.
"If we play as well as we have done recently then we will soon start to win matches in a convincing manner, I am certain of that.
"Over the years we've made it difficult for Arsenal to play their game.
"We're a different team now but we can still compete. After going up against Liverpool and Manchester United, we certainly won't fear Arsenal."
