Stoke in line for a breather

STOKE boss Tony Pulis has promised his players "a well-earned rest" once they have put their bodies on the line twice more this month.

A daunting February that will have seen Stoke play eight matches in 27 days concludes with an FA Cup fifth-round replay with Manchester City tonight and Premier League clash against Arsenal on Saturday, both at the Britannia Stadium. It has been a punishing schedule and Pulis knows his players are tired, but is demanding two more big performances over the next four days.

"The more successful you are, the more games you have to play. We've two massive games against two top, top sides over the next few days, and it's fantastic we are in this position to be playing games of this importance," said Pulis.