Predicted position: 10th (Note: this is not necessarily Paul Doyle prediction, but the average of our writers Guardian writers advice)
Position last season: 9
The odds of winning the league (by Oddschecker): 500-1
They come in the feeling of the campaign are terribly close to satisfaction, perhaps even a new center of defense and before special distance; they hope to avoid a new wave of ruinous injuries; They recognize the achievements of his manager, but can not help wondering about the importance of defense; if not careful, develop followers of Stoke a probable relationship with Arsenal fans.
But they are still brothers scruples. Stoke condition is not critical, as a glance at their final position in the last three seasons - IX, IX and IX - shows that there is no need to call an ambulance. No other manager has made three consecutive top half in the top flight Stoke and Mark Hughes, who made while reintroduce style long lost, trust most fans yet. And there is no doubt as to their willingness to spend money, so the hope is great that course before the transfer window, the sign in front of his team, has to be closed, you can Saido Berahino -Make his courtship summer.
This would allow Stoke to transform targets of the invention regularly. Last season, despite the advantage of the naivety of Xherdan Shaqiri (intermittently), Bojan Krkić and Marko Arnautovic - and Ibrahim Affellay until he suffered a cruciate ligament injury in April - Stoke scored only 41 goals in 38 league games. They were not only threatened by the weakness of the target, but also the lack of evidence for physical Stealth scorer who can shoot bullets through a network support team.
This is the main reason why I have fewer shots than any other team met except the sad trio relegated West Bromwich Albion manager Tony Pulis. Jonathan Walters, Mame Biram Diouf, Adan and Peter Crouch have different qualities, but none offer the motion and the necessary sharpness prolifically points. Arnautovic, easing fears that would come out by the signing of a new contract in the summer, usually the most dangerous behind a striker.
Stoke attacker must have this service even better season. Shaqiri was at the club, as Giannelli Imbula, sparks shine in January after joining as a late replacement for Steven N'Zonzi and has the potential, will consistently dominated to the midfielder in his second season more the Premier League. Competition for places along Imbula was raised by the arrival of Joe Allen Vivo
rpool, a company that compensate for the forced absence of Afellay.
Hughes attractive opportunities through the midfield and provided them with a particularly exciting rookie Egypt. Sobhi Ramadan is a striker of 19 years, but a high international level with his country and the league champion Al Ahly. It has a wonderful repertoire of tricks and shameless joy at the sight. It is easy to imagine Krkic, Shaqiri and fascinating Arnautovic opponent on a good day. And it could be the last season more good days when victories over Manchester City, Manchester United and Everton seen by a generation of fans of Stoke benefits presented exciting.
Most of Stoke fans were not infected with the sense of entitlement that infected several others. But last season despite some dizzying heights, there is still a slightly bitter aftertaste, not only for the duration of the induced by the recession injury.
Style seems attractive attack Stoke defensive solidity, calculate the price and there is no acceptable reason. There seems to be a symptom of the organization or imperfect concentration rather than a need to rush the game prior to use. The injury is not the long absence of Ryan Shawcross help particularly debilitating, but even if it was at full capacity Stoke Jack Butland, was more active than it would have been, was injured in March. Marc Wilson, signed by Pulis in 2010 deepened concerns weekends when they held a Q & A session with fans on Twitter and seemed to regret the loss of defensive rigor of the club, saying "it would help, if at all, we have a defensive formation - we do ".
Wilson is perhaps upset because he lost his starting job at Hughes The Hawthorns declared goal to his former boss, but can not deny that sometimes Stoke unusually vulnerable were last season, including pieces. This should improve.
Ideally, this would mean not quickly convince a new partner in the center of Shawcross for believers Signed as options such as Wilson, Philipp Wollscheid and Geoff Cameron defense. The only defensive rookie Hughes has made this summer is 19 years old, Sweeney in the middle Ryan defense, of £ 250,000 Wimbledon and although Sweeney accelerate and their other supporters was less signed when Glen Johnson is not available, it seems unlikely , is pushed directly into the action of the Premier League. So either coach Hughes buy better performance of their existing player or a new defender. Or both.
The experienced manager with a 3-5-2 lineup for most of the pre-season, but said it was because most of the defenders were not available and not because of any cunning plan, the so-even if the right kind and way may be given bad players seemed. Erik Pieters, for example, is a perfectly decent left four defensive line, but never a locking rear spoiler. Hughes returned to a familiar quad for the last preseason game and Stoke seemed comfortable despite the 1-0 defeat.
After referring to the decision of Dalila in Europe last season, Stoke breathing. They won only one of their last seven games as they were satisfied with ninth place and family memories of defeat in the semi-final against Liverpool dying Capital One Cup. They do much good to a good start this season, mainly because the devices appear difficult, the newly promoted Middlesbrough opening then against Manchester City, Everton and Tottenham.
If Stoke a respectable distance point and two more signings had in early September, the faith will grow. This does not necessarily mean even higher than ninth, more goals, less defensive mistakes, maybe a Cup final and especially the belief that the manager and the players always get the most from each other and themselves.
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