Stoke manager Tony Pulis has warned his players they will have to step up a class when they face Valencia in the Europa League on Thursday.

Pulis continued his preparations for the last-32 clash with a trip to Spain to watch Valencia beat Sporting Gijon 4-0 on Sunday.

Pulis' Stoke have failed to win any of their last five Premier League outings and the manager recognises that his side must raise their game if they are to compete with their Spanish opponents.

Pulis, who started his second spell at the Britannia Stadium in 2006, admits he has done a lot of research for Thursday's encounter and acknowledges the threat posed by the third-placed Primera Liga side.

"I spoke to Rafa Benitez about Valencia and he's scared me to death," he said.

"They're a step up in class from anyone we've faced so far in the Europa League, so Thursday night is going to be a special occasion for everyone at Stoke.

"It's a 28,000 sell-out and we really need our supporters to get behind the team.

"I will move one or two of the squad around as I've done in previous European games and I just hope the players respond to the challenge and do themselves justice."