Thomas Sorensen has missed just two Premier League games this season

Thomas Sorensen believes that Stoke will have no problem reaching their initial pre-season 40-point target.

The Potters are on 36 points with nine matches left, having taken just two points from their last four games.

But keeper Sorensen told BBC Radio Stoke: "We've got plenty of winnable games left. We're away at West Ham next week and then we have two home games.

"All those games are winnable. We still need a few points to be safe, and then the top half is the main target."

Stoke have just come though a tough winless five games which has seen them take on Arsenal, Chelsea (in the FA Cup), Aston Villa and Spurs, as well as struggling Burnley.

And they have a tough run-in, with a home game against Everton sandwiched in between trips to Chelsea and Manchester United in the final three matches of the season.

West Ham are a good side and they've strengthened well in January. They should be higher up the table Stoke keeper Thomas Sorensen

But Tony Pulis's side now face successive games against teams in the bottom four, with a home game against Hull City to follow this Saturday's trip to Upton Park to face fast-falling West Ham.

The Hammers have now lost their last five games in a row, after being beaten 3-1 at home by Wolves on Tuesday night.

But Sorensen insists that Gianfranco Zola's side are still a force to be reckoned with.

"They're a good side and they've strengthened well in January," said the Danish international. "They should be higher up the table than they are, but we'll fancy our chances.

"We've been playing well, everyone should be fit, and when that's the case we're a threat to anyone."

Dean Whitehead will serve a one-match suspension after being sent off in last Saturday's 2-1 defeat against Spurs.

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