Pulis admits toughest start yet

Tony Pulis admits that Stoke's start to the new season is as 'tough as they come' and says they face a big test.

The Potters are about to embark on their fifth successive season in the Premier League but without a doubt it is the toughest start yet with Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea all on the agenda in first five games.
October does not look too pretty either with trips to Liverpool and Manchester United on the cards and Pulis will be well aware they need to pick up points in the early stages of the season or face a tough season.
"I've got to say that our first pocket of five games is unbelievably tough," said Pulis. "We play three Champions League teams in our first five fixtures, including the champions of England and the champions of Europe, so it's as tough as they come.
"And we'll certainly have to improve on our record in recent seasons against Wigan when we play at their place third match up."
Pulis is also not that pleased with the opening day trip to Reading who should be on a high after winning the Championship last season.
"Reading will be bouncing after winning the Championship, and their fans will be really up for it too," he added. "It will be a big, big test for us and one we have to be ready to face come the big kick-off."