Stoke boss Mark Hughes wary of 'difficult' Leicester under new manager Claude Puel

  • Leicester won their first game under new boss Claude Puel 2-0 against Everton
  • Stoke are looking for first consecutive Premier League victories this season
  • Mark Hughes is hesitant of visiting Foxes, finding it 'difficult' to prepare
  • Stoke skipper Ryan Shawcross is doubtful as his back problems continue
  • Peter Crouch and Glen Johnson both returned to Stoke training this week 

Stoke boss Mark Hughes has admitted he has found it difficult to prepare for Leicester's visit on Saturday with new manager Claude Puel.

Stoke halted a run of poor results - winning just one of seven league games - with a victory at Watford last weekend and are hopeful of winning consecutive Premier League games for the first time this season.

Last weekend's victory saw Hughes' side climb three points clear of the relegation zone to 14th.

Mark Hughes is looking for back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time this season

Leicester, currently 11th, replaced Craig Shakespeare with Puel last week and the Frenchman kicked off his tenure with a comfortable 2-0 win over Everton last Sunday, with Hughes insistent he is not underestimating the rejuvenated side.


'Winning games back-to-back is never easy in the Premier League but with a win away from home last weekend, we hope to win again tomorrow,' he said.

'Make no doubt about it we will face a good side tomorrow in Leicester City. They have plenty of options and good players.

Hughes' Stoke moved to 14th in the Premier League with a 1-0 win over Watford last weekend

'Leicester have good forward options. It is difficult in terms of our preparation as they have a new manager.'

Hughes added that Stoke captain Ryan Shawcross was a doubt for the game after persistent back problems while defender Geoff Cameron is ruled out as he recovers from a concussion.

Striker Peter Crouch and defender Glen Johnson, who missed Stoke's last league game, have returned to training.

He admitted to difficulties of preparing for the clash with Leicester and new boss Claude Puel

He admitted to difficulties of preparing for the clash with Leicester and new boss Claude Puel