Stoke City boss Tony Pulis is unhappy with the Premier League's scheduling as they chase Europa League glory.

The Potters' chief is targeting Thursday's clash at home to Besiktas to be one of the three victories he believes his team needs to progress from Group E.

But on seven occasions this season, Stoke will play away from the Britannia Stadium following a Europa League match - and while Pulis believes it is a co-incidence, he has asked for some help from the fixture compilers.

"At the beginning of the season, the FA and Premier League know which clubs are in Europe," he said, "they know the European dates.

"I think they could do their damnedest to try and help, without going over the top, to help clubs in European competitions through these games. I think foreign Football Associations do that.

"It's something that should be looked at. If I'd known this situation at the end of last season I certainly would have written to the powers-that-be and asked them to have a look at it.

"I don't think it's a conspiracy, it's just the way it has come out.

"But, it makes it very difficult to get the players back up physically following games on Saturday and Thursday. It's an awfully big challenge for us as a club."