Stoke City 'can't hide' from horror run of five defeats in six, admits Ryan Shawcross as he calls on team-mates to turn the tide at Watford

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Stoke City are confident they can turn their season around after a poor start and a much-needed win at Watford in the Premier League on Saturday will be the best way to return to form, defender Ryan Shawcross has said.

Stoke's 2-1 league loss to Bournemouth last weekend was their fifth defeat in six games across all competitions. Mark Hughes' side have crashed out of the Carabao Cup and are hovering one spot above the relegation zone in the league.

But Shawcross says it's only a matter of time before the Potters start climbing up the standings again.

Stoke City captain Ryan Shawcross is plotting a turnaround for the club starting at Watford

Shawcross has witnessed Stoke falling to five defeats in their last six matches in a real slump

'There is no hiding from the fact that the past few weeks have been disappointing,' Shawcross told the club's website.

'It's not been a nice period for us, but if we can get a win at Watford then everything will look a lot brighter.

'Of course, the lads are a little bit down at the moment because we want to be winning matches, but we have to remember this is a marathon not a sprint... I am sure we will turn things around soon.

'We don't judge ourselves after eight or nine matches, let's see where we are after 38 - I am certain we will be in a far healthier position.'

Watford, who are sixth in the table, Arsenal in their last home game and will be looking to overcome Saturday's 4-2 loss to champions Chelsea.

Stoke won both their league meetings against Watford last season.

Manager Mark Hughes will be desperate for the Potters to turn their fortunes away at Watford