Tony Pulis admits Stoke's trip to Tottenham at the weekend represents a real test of the direction his side are heading in.

The Potters exceeded all expectations last season in comfortably staving off the threat of the drop and again this term Pulis' side are winning plenty of plaudits.

Stoke travel to White Hart Lane in decent form on the back of a 2-1 home victory over West Ham and a creditable draw at Everton.

Pulis is drawing positives from securing a point at Goodison Park but admits the wealth of talent at Harry Redknapp's disposal makes a trip south a tough proposition.

"It's going to be a tough task," he told Sky Sports News.

"They've got really good players in every position really and if he picks up a couple of injuries he has enough strength in depth to bring players in who are real top Premier League players.

"We did very well at Everton and led for a while there. We played a certain way and played very well."

Key to Stoke's success could be making the most from set-pieces, a source of six league goals to date.

"They are something I've always worked very hard on. It's an important part and when you've got quality delivery into the box and people who want to score goals, it's very hard to defend.

"It's part of the game and I think it's an exciting part of the game."