Stoke's robust style of play, allied to the long throws of Rory Delap, may have taken the Premier League by surprise this season, but Mowbray knows just what to expect from side that he is yet to beat since taking over at Albion.

"We will get on with our own game and try and play our football as we usually do," said Mowbray, who celebrates his 45th birthday on Saturday.

"After our recent run of games against the more glamorous sides in the division it doesn't get any easier playing Stoke away from home.

"We realise what we are up against."

Albion have not won at Stoke for 26 years and Mowbray added: "Four decent teams have lost at Stoke this season and if there was an answer to playing them I'm sure those teams would have found it.

"The bottom line is that it is all about having people who can defend high balls into the box.

"Rory has the ability to change the trajectory of the flight of his throw-in.

"Sometimes it comes whizzing in flat and fast and on other occasions he can lob it to the back stick. You just have to deal it with it as best you can.

"Time will tell which club survives in the Premiership and prospers. If Stoke can do that I genuinely wish them good luck.

"Last season we lost 3-1 at Stoke in a game where we had plenty of the ball. I would suggest playing against them is all about concentration and trying to break them down.

"Stoke are good at what they do and it appears they are better at home than away.

"Last season I would suggest they over-achieved and did very well to get promotion. Now they are making a very good fist of staying in the Premiership."