Stoke won't be pushovers, Tony Pulis warns Wigan

18 May 2011 10:33
ShareTony Pulis has vowed Stoke will not be as lethargic when they face Wigan on Sunday as they were in suffering a second defeat in four days to Manchester City. [LNB]With Matthew Etherington, Robert Huth and Jermaine Pennant all ruled out through injury, the Potters were hardly a force in the game at Eastlands and slithered to a defeat that allowed City to leap into third spot. [LNB]Although their own position in mid-table is secure, Stoke could end up anywhere between eighth and 14th depending on the final-day results, which could mean a massive difference in Premier League prize money. [LNB] Ouch: Stoke suffered a crushing blow in the FA Cup final last Saturday[LNB]And Pulis also knows all eyes will be on his team given they are part of an astonishing end to the campaign in which any two from five clubs could go down. [LNB]Wigan manager Roberto Martinez was at the game at Eastlands and is no doubt hoping for a similarly poor performance from Stoke. [LNB]However, Pulis has vowed his players will be giving their all, which, given how difficult they found it to cope with West Ham's aerial threat on Sunday, might be bad news for the Latics. [LNB] Double blow: City beat Stoke again on Tuesday thanks to Carlos Tevez's two goals[LNB]'I have great respect for Roberto Martinez and Dave Whelan,' said Pulis. 'Dave in particular has done a magnificent job as chairman of that football club. [LNB]'But we will be desperately trying to beat them on Sunday because we have a responsibility to the best league in the world. [LNB]'Quite apart from anything else, we want to finish in the top 10 this year. [LNB]'If we do that, having already reached as FA Cup final and qualified for Europe, it would represent an extraordinary season for us.'[LNB] Man City 3 Stoke 0: Tevez at the double to fire Mancini's men thirdSurvival Sunday: How do the five top flight clubs in danger shape up? Eastlands Match Zone: No glory for Rory with City's clever ad trickWigan save fan who suffered heart attack during climax with West Ham [LNB]  Explore more:People: Matthew Etherington, Robert Huth, Tony Pulis, Dave Whelan, Roberto Martinez Places: Europe

Source: Daily_Mail