Pulis On Valencia Game

Last updated : 13 February 2012 By Wes Handerley

Valencia is the sort of side Stoke could only dream of ever playing just a few years ago in those dark days of the third tier of the English League.

But that dream becomes a reality on Thursday as the Potters set out to try and progress in te Europa League even further.

Valencia currently third in La Liga.

"I spoke to Rafa Benitez about Valencia and he's scared me to death,"Pulis said.

"They're a step up in class from anyone we've faced so far in the Europa League, so Thursday night is going to be a special occasion for everyone at Stoke.

"It's a 28,000 sell-out and we really need our supporters to get behind the team.

"I will move one or two of the squad around as I've done in previous European games and I just hope the players respond to the challenge and do themselves justice."