Pulis ‘excited’about arrival of Valencia

Tony Pulis is looking forward to one of the biggest nights in Stoke’s history when Valencia visit the Britannia Stadium tonight. The Spanish giants, who sit third in the Primera Division, arrived in the Potteries yesterday ahead of the first leg of their Europa League last-32 clash.

Stoke have exceeded expectations so far in their first European campaign for 37 years, losing only once in ten games and qualifying from a group containing Besiktas, Dynamo Kiev and Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Pulis said: “I’m excited. It’s one of the great games this football club has had in its history. Next year it’s 150 years this club has been going and we haven’t had too many occasions when you can say you’re playing a top, top European team at the Britannia.”

Pulis will be without Matthew Upson following his sending-off in the last group game against Besiktas but can pick fellow centre-back Robert Huth.

Jonathan Woodgate and Danny Collins are now eligible while Asmir Begovic is expected to replace Thomas Sorensen in goal.