Everton boss David Moyes admits Stoke City's progress as a Premier League club has been impressive.
The investment of chairman Peter Coates has helped sustain their momentum and Moyes says they are now reaping the benefits on the pitch.
Also fundamental to their progress has been a strong home record and the Britannia has gained a reputation for housing one of the most partisan crowds in the division.
Moyes told evertonfc.com: "Everyone knows how tough it is to go there. We will have to deal with an aerial bombardment and also a big, noisy crowd. Their supporters making it intimidating there, they are obviously really enjoying themselves in the Premier League.
"I think they are improving," he added. "I think Tony (Pulis) has brought in some players who have helped their team. They have two wingers in (Jermaine) Pennant and (Matthew) Etherington and they get good crosses in for the centre forwards. They have invested in their team and they are one of the clubs, along with the likes of Sunderland, who are moving forward."
