Stoke boss Tony Pulis has warned his players they face a potential hiding at Arsenal if they are not "switched on."
Pulis is happy to admit Arsenal are in a different class, in particular after viewing last week's stunning Champions League win over Barcelona up close. The Potters visit the Emirates Stadium for what is a re-arranged fixture that was initially postponed before Christmas due to bad weather.
Pulis said: "I went to their game with Barcelona, and it was a fantastic game. For all of Barcelona's dominance, and they were very dominant at times, Arsenal still had very good chances. Robin van Persie could have scored a hat-trick."
He added: "Arsenal will be delighted to be 2-1 ahead and heading out for the return with a great opportunity of going through. It means the second game will be a great one.
"But in watching that game I can say we're not on their level, I think everybody accepts that.
"So we just have to go there and do our best, and that's what we'll do.
"We have to be switched on. It's a game we know will be very, very difficult, even if we play at our best. If we don't, then we're in trouble."
Source: PA
