Ahead of today's big match, Everton boss Dave Moyes says Stoke City shouldn't let the critics of their style get them down.

Moyes said: "I don't think it matters how you play it.

"You have to play within the rules and everybody knows the rules of football. It is important that you win games. Stoke did that last year and an awful lot is talked about it but at the end of the day, football is about winning games.

"There is not just one way to play football - you can pass it short, hit it long, do whatever you like within the rules and if you win games within those rules then you are doing nothing wrong.

"Tony Pulis and Stoke did that last season to get into the Premier League and I am sure they will try and do that again while they are in the Premier League.

"Tony has done well throughout the years and he has deserved his opportunity to manage in the Premier League. He has been through the leagues and he has managed different clubs at different levels and he deserves it."

Since Stoke abandoned the Victoria Ground 11 years ago, their new home has become well known for its passionate atmosphere and Moyes is fully expecting an awkward 90 minutes for his side as they look to bounce back following the 3-0 home defeat to Portsmouth a fortnight ago.

He added: "I think anyone playing Stoke knows they are in for a tough afternoon. Tony Pulis will enjoy that and anyone who plays Stoke will not get an easy ride and if I was in his position I would be the same.

"I know exactly what Stoke will throw at us and it is never easy to go to a newly promoted side at this time of the season. But we have to look at getting three points on the board.

"We have to get ourselves into a strong league position, that is your bread and butter, I have always stated that."