Bottom-of-the-league Stoke City take on West Brom in their next Premier League game.
Stoke boss Mark Hughes has branded Saturday’s game with West Brom as “huge”, quotes the Daily Mail.
Speaking after his side’s cup exit at the hands of Hull, who scored a last-minute winner to reach round four of the EFL Cup, Hughes immediately turned his attention to the Potters’ next Premier League game, where they will go in search of their first league win of the season.
“It is a big game [against West Brom], a huge game for us, because the longer it goes on without our first league win, then the more significant each game becomes,” said Hughes, speaking to the Daily Mail.
Stoke have started the Premier League in terrible fashion, picking up just a point in their opening game against Middlesbrough. Since that draw, Stoke have been beaten by Manchester City Everton, Tottenham and Crystal Palace, conceding 13 goals in the process.
The Premier League’s bottom side put in an improved performance in the EFL Cup against Hull, taking the lead through Marko Arnautovic in the first half, but were still on the losing side when Markus Henriksen scored in the 91st minute to make it 2-1 and knock Stoke out of the competition.
Despite the defeat, there were positives for Stoke, particularly the performance from 19-year-old Ramadan Sobhi, who joined in the summer from Al Ahly for £5 million.
Hughes praised the performance of the Egyptian, adding: “I thought Ramadan Sobhi came in and was excellent.
“He showed a lot of potential and the ability he has, and that will come to the fore in the coming years, so we are pleased for him.”
Many fans will be hoping that Sobhi will be included in their next game against West Brom, where they will hope to finally get their season up and running with a win over their former manager Tony Pulis.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
