Pearson Wants Positive Intent

Since gaining promotion in the 2007/08 season, the Potters have begun their sixth consecutive top-flight campaign well - beating Premier League champions Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium last time out. 

Paying tribute to Stoke’s efforts, Pearson said: “It really is quite a difficult league to be successful in. 

"The sides you play in the Premier League offer you different sorts of challenges. Saturday presents a very tough obstacle at Stoke. 

"We will go there with a positive intent. But we're mindful of the fact they have been very successful on their own patch for a number of years. 

"Stoke have found a way of being very competitive in the early stages. I worked for Stoke from 1999 until 2001 and the potential was always there. When you do that it is important to be able to establish yourself. 

"They have had a change of manager who has new ideas but remain very tough opponents to play against.” 

A ruthlessly tough opening period saw City play three of last year’s top five clubs, most recently battling to a 1-1 draw with Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal. 

The City boss hopes his men can build on these valiant displays, stating that his side will continue to play attacking football no matter who they face. 

He continued: "The performances have been good, we'd like more points but the players have shown they are capable of performing at this level. 

"It's important we continue to play positively. We've tried to win the games we've played so far and we will endeavour to do the same at the weekend. 

"If we continue to show the same desire I'm a big believer we will do well this season. 

"Moving from the Championship to Premier League there needs to be time to adjust. We need to find a way of winning games now.”