Rival managers Sam Allardyce and Tony Pulis are facing different dilemmas this week.

Allardyce is weighing up when to return to work at Blackburn after treatment for a heart complaint. Pulis, meanwhile, reluctantly finds himself dealing with continuing gossip that his Stoke side could be heading for Europe after only one defeat in seven games.

"Our aim is to stay in the Premier League for the next three years. That will give us the opportunity to push on, " he said after the 0-0 draw at Ewood Park.

"The big difference now is when it comes to expectations but it is a case of keeping those levels down to a sensible level.

"We have only been in the Premier League for 18 months. You need time. For people to say we are fighting for Europe it is pretty ridiculous."

Allardyce is resting at home after being discharged from hospital following an angioplasty, a procedure to correct narrowing to one branch of his coronary arteries.

He has missed three games but could be back in charge on Wednesday, depending on medical advice, when Blackburn are at home to Chelsea in a Carling Cup quarter final tie.

Assistant manager Neil McDonald said: "I am told he is on schedule for this week as expected and hopefully we will see him then.

"I have spoken to him and he is fine. Everyone is pleased that the operation has gone well."

Blackburn were hoping to chalk up a fifth straight home win in the league and although Steven Nzonzi hit the post with a shot they lacked a cutting edge against Stoke.

Chris Samba could have secured the points in stoppage time but headed wide while Franco Di Santo and Ryan Nelsen saw their efforts blocked by Thomas Sorensen.

There was little to choose between the teams with Blackburn grateful to Paul Robinson for making two superb saves in the first half from Dean Whitehead and Liam Lawrence.

Whitehead squandered another glaring opportunity in the second half as did substitute James Beattie with the game finishing in stalemate.

McDonald said: "Paul worked hard in the summer and since Sam came here. He deserves every credit and made a couple a great saves.

"He is doing everything we have asked him to do. He is happy with his form but knows he can do better on certain things.

"If he gets called up (for England) then so be it. But at least he is in good form for us."

Blackburn missed the influence of midfielder David Dunn, who came off in the 32nd minute with a calf strain.

Dunn has been in good form with six goals this season so his premature exit was a blow for the home side and he could now be doubtful for the match against Chelsea.

While Blackburn are keeping their fingers crossed, Pulis intends taking Beattie out of the firing line for a spell so he can get him back to full fitness.

Pulis said: "We have kept it quiet but Beattie has playing with injuries to his ankle and his knee.

"Now we have Mamady back we can give Beattie a bit of a break and get him fit. He has been playing because we have been a little bit short.

"As for Dean , he has probably had his best game for us and missed two glorious chances."