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Premier League: Leicester boss Nigel Pearson looking for wins

Image: Nigel Pearson: Wants his side to develop a winning habit

Leicester manager Nigel Pearson has urged his players to develop a winning habit in the Premier League.

Pearson's side have had a tough start to the season following promotion from the Championship with matches against Everton, Chelsea and Arsenal so far.

The Foxes have achieved two home draws with Roberto Martinez's and Arsene Wenger's sides, whilst performing well in a 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge.

Leicester play Stoke, who upset champions Manchester City by winning 1-0 at the Etihad Stadium recently, away on Saturday and Pearson knows that victories are required if his team are to survive this season.

"Moving from the Championship to the Premier League there needs to be time for an adjustment," said Pearson.

"The players have shown their ability to adapt, and they're capable of performing at this level. The performances have been encouraging, and against good opposition, but what we need to do now is find a way of winning games."

Pearson has so far been impressed from what he has seen from his side and is convinced they will avoid the battle to beat the drop.

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"It's important we continue to play positively," added Pearson.

"If we continue to show the same desire and application as we have so far then I'm a big believer we will do well this season. But we've got to maintain the standards we've set so far in certain aspects, and then of course improve in other areas.

"There's no doubting we need to convert chances when they come along, but collectively we've been very good.

"We've not gone into any game with a negative mentality, which reflects on the players we have available and their ability to understand what is expected of them.

"They've done very well so far, but as I say, clearly we'd like to start winning games."

Pearson, who was on Stoke's coaching staff from 1999-2001, initially under Gary Megson and then Gudjon Thordarson, believes the Potters are a prime example of what a club can achieve in the top flight.

"Stoke have found a way of being very competitive," said Pearson of a side enjoying a seventh successive season in the Premier League. "When I worked for Stoke you could see the potential was there.

"It's never easy to find a way back into the Premier League, but when you do it is important to be able to establish yourself.

"They have done that very well over a number of years, and they are very tough opponents to play against.

"For us, all the players are enjoying the experience of being in the Premier League, but we're not just here for that.

"We're here to try to take the club forward, and the enjoyment comes with being successful. So collectively we need to try and establish ourselves back in the top flight.

"That is a tough thing to do, but is something we will strive for through the entire season."

A trio of new signings - defender Danny Simpson, along with strikers Tom Lawrence and Nick Powell - come into contention for their debuts. Pearson remains without defender Matthew Upson (foot), and midfielder Matty James who is close to a return after a recent shin injury.

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