"They have set the division alight so far and will clearly be a big threat to us.
"But we go into it with four clean sheets to our credit and that's down to not only great defending, but great teamwork throughout."
Cardiff boss Dave Jones is aware of the quality Stoke have with the loan players they have brought in.
"Look at the players they've got in midfield," said Jones.
"I think they've got four Premiership players and strikers who have played in the Premiership.
"So they are going down that road and it's working for them.
"They're on a great run and they're a big, strong side. Tony told me at the start of the season they were going to have a go and that's what they are doing."
Stoke have been boosted by the news that lee Hendrie stays at the Britannia for another month from Aston Villa and last week on deadline day they signed Patrick Berger on loan, also from Villa.