Stoke City have not conceded in their three Europa League games this season and a similar result on Thursday evening at home against FC Thun would see them qualify for the group stage of the prestigious European competition.Tony Pulis' side won the first leg 1-0 in Switzerland last week and should be considered favourites to progress from this play-off tie.
The Potters' sluggish 1-1 draw with Norwich City at Carrow Road in the Premier League at the weekend may have raised some concerns, but their manager is confident that with their fans' support they can continue their European adventure.
"We've given ourselves an excellent chance of going through, but we will need to be at our best against a very good side," Pulis told Stoke'sofficial website.
"It will be important, therefore, to have the backing of a big crowd when we return to our place.
"Knowing what magnificent support we've had once again so far this season, both at home and away, I am sure there'll be a fantastic atmosphere because it's a great opportunity to take another step on our incredible journey."
No pushovers
Thun, though, would be no easy pushovers despite having lost at home last week. Bernard Challandes' side are currently at the top of the table in the Swiss Super league after six rounds of matches and have shipped just three goals.
The Swiss side have already got past Italian club Palermo in the qualifying rounds of the Europa League on away goals, and they could well conjure up an upset at the Britannia Stadium.
Team news
Matthew Upson is set to make his home debut for Stoke and is likely be partnered byRyan Shawcross
in central defence. Pulis could field the same team that he pitched in Switzerland last week.
in central defence. Pulis could field the same team that he pitched in Switzerland last week.Thun will be without their first-choice goalkeeper David da Costa, who is suspended following his sending off in the first leg. Dragan Djukic will replace him between the posts.
Right Attitude
Upson, who joined Stoke from West Ham United this summer on a free transfer, is confident that they can get past the last barrier and play in a major European club competition this campaign, but warns against complacency.
"This is a great opportunity for us to progress further in the competition, but it's important that we turn up with the right attitude," enthused the 32-year-old. "I am confident that if we apply ourselves properly, we're capable of getting the right result.
"It would be fantastic for the club and the supporters if we had more European nights at the Britannia Stadium because there is the prospect of facing some big clubs at that stage of the competition and that would be great for the status of the club.
"The players also want that desperately too. We all want to experience different things and improve ourselves, so this would be a new challenge."
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