TONY PULIS today urged his Stoke City players to turn in two more "big performances" over the next few days . . . and then take a well-earned rest next week.
The Potters face two of the biggest clubs in English football in a 72-hour period this week as they aim to extend their 10-match unbeaten run since the turn of the year.
They will be aiming to book a place in the FA Cup quarter finals for the first time in 38 years in the fifth round replay against Manchester City on this evening before them taking on Arsenal in the Barclays Premier League at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday.
"The big games have been coming thick and fast recently, but that's way it goes. The more successful you are, the more games you have to play," said City's manager.
"We've got two massive games against two top, top sides over the next few days and it's fantastic that we are in this position to be playing games of this importance.
"The players have done outstandingly well these past two months and the confidence has grown as we've gone along. We've just got to make sure we keep it going for the next couple of games and then they can have a well-earned rest next week."
The FA Cup fifth round replay will be City's seventh game in February and four of the previous six have been away from home where their 2-1 victory over Portsmouth at the weekend came after three successive draws on their travels.
"It has been a magnificent effort, and it has been all about them playing as a team and showing tremendous spirit," added Pulis. "The last two games have shown that at its best when we have been down to 10 men in both instances.
"We'll need to show that spirit again in two tough games coming up, but if we do that then I am confident that we can get the right results."
Pulis reiterated that he is also looking for two big performances from the supporters to help lift his side as they take on City and Arsenal.
"Hopefully, we will have a crowd approaching a full house for the cup game, and that should ensure there is a fantastic atmosphere," he said. "I am sure they will give us the support we need to help carry us through to the quarter finals."
