Pulis is looking for a change of luck on the road, beginning on Saturday when he takes the Potters to Upton Park for a crucial Premier League clash against West Ham. Stoke have won only three league games out of 14 on the road and Pulis feels that is down to their more open way of playing this season. "Our away form has been disappointing," he said. "A lot of times we have played better than the previous two years but not got the breaks and been unfortunate not to pick up the points. "It is a tough league and we are still learning. We have played a little bit more open this season. We have (Jermaine) Pennant and (Matthew) Etherington and two centre forwards. "So we play almost 4-2-4 at times. Although we have done better, especially going forward, we have been a little bit looser at the back and lost goals when maybe when we shouldn't have. It is about getting that balance right." Both Etherington and Pennant are facing later fitness tests ahead of the West Ham game on back and hamstring problems respectively. Stoke would appear to be comfortable in 10th place but Pulis is taking nothing for granted in the club's third season in the Premier League. He said: "The aim has always been to get to 40 points as quickly as we can, especially this year when there are so many clubs close together. "I have never known the league being so tight. It is exciting for everyone. It keeps the blood flowing. "In fact I've had some blood tests done. The medical side are pushing on and even check the manager. "I think (chairman) Peter Coates is doing it just to check that I am all right. I've had a couple of calf injuries. It is old age and sitting in the car driving up and down the motorway." Stoke also face West Ham at home in an FA Cup quarter-final a week on Sunday and Pulis is astonished their oppnents are flirting with relegation. He said: "They are on a good run. I think people are surprised they are down there anyway, given they have so many good players. It will be a tough game. They carry a a threat everywhere. It is a very big game for us." "Everyone is getting carried away about the quarter-final of FA Cup but we have to remain focussed on the league. "If they get two wins they could end up where we are, it is that tight. You look at the squad and wonder why they are down there. They are on a roll."
