Sorensen and Woodgate

Stoke defender Jonathan Woodgate believes the visit of Swansea to the Britannia Stadium on Sunday will in some ways be a tougher test than Valencia. Stoke goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen insists he expects to start against Swansea when the two sides meet at the Britannia on Sunday.

The Potters went down to a brave 1-0 defeat at the Mestalla on Thursday, which sent the Spaniards through to the last 16 of the Europa League with a 2-0 aggregate win.

And with Brendan Rodgers' side earning numerous plaudits for their style of play, Woodgate claims City will have to be well prepared for the encounter.

The centre-back feels the side from South Wales could even prove more difficult than their European conquerors.

The former England defender said: "We have a big game on Sunday and we need to win it.

"Swansea are similar to Valencia. They play just as much football as them, in fact they even pass the ball a bit more than Valencia. We should be used to that now and it should be a good game.

"They (Swansea) have been first class. The way they have played their football and got to where they are is a credit to them. They had more possession than Arsenal, and they beat them - that is some job."

With manager Tony Pulis usually selecting Asmir Begovic for domestic cup and European games, the Dane was a surprise inclusion for Thursday's game in Valencia.

But Sorensen does not expect the Bosnia international to reclaim the number one jersey ahead of him for the clash against Brendan Rodgers' side.

He said: "I want to be playing on Sunday. I will be very disappointed if I don't. I don't think I could have done anything more (against Valencia) and that's all you can do when you get the chances."

Despite the uncertainty, he was pleased to be picked for the game in Spain, saying: "These are the sort of games you want to be playing in, so I was delighted."

The Potters are looking to arrest a run of four straight league defeats that has seen them drop to 13th in the table.

Sorensen has set his sights on two victories from back-to-back home games against Swansea and Norwich to steady the ship.

"We need a win," he said. "We have two home games against two of the promoted sides who have done really well, but we need to get some momentum going and, on paper, we need six points just to calm things down and get the confidence back up. Then I am sure we can go from there."