Stoke boss Tony Pulis looking for change of fortune against West Brom

A 2-1 reverse at Newcastle last time out was preceded by defeats to West Ham and Fulham but Pulis feels they have been unlucky in recent weeks.

"We are either shooting ourselves in the foot, or things just aren't dropping for us at the moment," he said.

"Even Alan (Pardew) admitted last week that Newcastle were fortunate. That was as well as we have played away from home for a long time.

"We are 11th in the Premier League at the moment, and we are looking to push on and pick up more points. We are looking forward.

"If you win games people are happy, if you lose, people are upset. That's football. We are a strong unit and we want to get back on track.

"We are in a results determined business, and if we don't get results, then you get criticised. I accept that.

"The supporters have been incredible, and we need that to continue. We have five games at home, and four away. We need them behind us.

"The players are the most important people in any club and supporters can give them enormous confidence."

Pulis revealed he was keen to sign West Brom danger man Romelu Lukaku on loan from Chelsea before the Belgium international agreed a move to the West Midlands.

"Lukaku is a dangerous player. He has done well. There were a few teams after him, but Steve's (Clarke) contacts at Chelsea got him the player," added Pulis.

"What we need more than anything is a couple of breaks. The lads are working hard, and deserve more than they have got recently."

Pulis also revealed some early team news ahead of the game.

"We are still waiting on Matty (Etherington), so we will take a late look at him. Cameron Jerome has a knock too; so we will see," he said.