Stoke City striker Cameron Jerome believes that his side are not under pressure to defeat Aston Villa at the weekend.

The Potters are currently in 13th place in the Premier League table, just four points ahead of Villa who are in 18th, but Jerome has insisted that the onus is on their opponents to pick up a result at the Britannia Stadium.

The 26-year-old told the club's official website: "I think that this is a game that is more important to them than it is to us, at this moment in time.

"They are right in the relegation mix, and whilst we know that we aren't clear of that threat either just yet, it is a game that Villa know that they really have to win.

"It's not do or die for us though, not at all, but we do understand the need of getting a win under our belts to give us a bit more breathing space, and in many ways take some of the pressure off."

The former Birmingham City striker has scored just four goals for Stoke this season.