Pulis - We must stay focused

Stoke boss keen to secure survival as soon as possible.

Last updated: 8th February 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Pulis - We must stay focused

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Stoke manager Tony Pulis has played down expectations at the Britannia Stadium by insisting that Premier League survival is his main objective this season.

Pulis' side travel to Wigan on Tuesday night aiming to maintain a run which has seen them record four wins and two draws in 2010, which has put them within touching distance of securing their top-flight status.

Saturday's 3-0 victory over Blackburn at the Britannia Stadium saw the Potters leapfrog Sam Allardyce's men in the table and move up to 11th place.

"We have got to get to 40 points, I think everybody will be wanting to get that," said Pulis, whose team moved to within 11 points of that tally with Saturday's triumph.

"I think the sooner you get to 40 points then you can take stock, but 40 points is the target.

"It's six games unbeaten which is good and if we can carry that on a few more games, get a few more wins, we will be delighted."

Advantage

Stoke have games in hand over the teams immediately above them which could see them banish any lingering prospect of a relegation battle in the next few weeks and start to consolidate a place in the top 10.

Things have been more a struggle of late for Wigan, who have won only once in the league since November and last week suffered the humiliation of being dumped out of the FA Cup by League Two side Notts County at the DW Stadium.

However, the Latics are notoriously unpredictable and led Stoke twice in the reverse fixture at the Britannia Stadium in December, which finished 2-2 and will be remembered for Maynor Figueroa's audacious second-half goal which he struck from within his own half.

Currently just two places and two points above the drop zone, Roberto Martinez's side are fighting for their lives and Pulis is expecting another tough encounter.

"It will be a tough game at Wigan. I respect every football club in this league and I certainly respect what they have got," said Pulis.

"We played them a few weeks ago here and the kid scored from the halfway line.

"They have got quality right through the team and it will be a tough game."