Stoke City manager Mark Hughes is keen for his side to banish any fears of relegation by reaching the magic 40-point mark with victory over Hull City this afternoon.

Since the Premier League became a 20-club competition in 1995, 40 points has been enough to survive in all but three seasons.

Neither Stoke nor Hull appear to be in any real danger of dropping into the Championship this term, but Hughes hopes to reach the landmark as soon as possible nevertheless.

"Our focus is very much on winning the game on Saturday, getting to that 40-point mark and then being able to look at the other targets that we can hit," Hughes told Stoke's official website.

Hughes said earlier this week that he hopes to 'make history' and "break records" with the Potters this season.