It can be safely said that Stoke City are one of the luckiest teams in the Premier League this season, especially with their recent results. The Potters have managed to win just three times in their last four games and are still intact in the 11th position with 39 points. They have had numerous favourable results since February and their luck doesn’t seem to run out anytime soon.
They are eight points ahead of the relegation zone and Arsenal are the only tough team in their remaining fixtures. They welcome West Ham United next in the league and given their recent record against the Hammers, Mark Hughes will be hoping for a routine win.
Stoke City haven’t lost more than once against West Ham in their last seven home game. Their manager, Mark Hughes, holds an unbeaten record against the Hammers. And West Ham’s away record is yet another concern for the London side.
Strongest Stoke City XI vs West Ham United
Defence
Lee Grant will take his position under the bar this game. Hughes had opted to bench him last game against Swansea City and give English youngster, Jack Butland a chance. It was only his first of the season and a nervy display was expected.
The defensive flanks will be taken by Eric Pieters and Glen Johnson. The gaffer has stuck with the duo throughout most of the season and they have still endured difficulties against counter-attacking opponents. Although West Ham are largely toothless in their attack, Lanzini and Cresswell could create problems for them.
The central defence will remain the same with Bruno Martins Indi and Ryan Shawcross. The duo has been disastrous this season, despite enjoying a largely injury free season. Stoke have conceded 50 goals so far, in spite of having some of the league veterans on their side.
Midfield
The central midfield duo is expected to be Charlie Adam and Geoff Cameron. Hughes had opted for Joe Allen in the deep midfield role and it backfired greatly. The Wales playmaker is comfortable in the advanced role where he could use his speed and aggression to win balls and score on the break.
Adam is the ideal fit in the deep midfield role, despite having been largely non-productive of late. And we hope Hughes rather stuck to his players’ strengths than experimenting.
Attack
The flanks should be taken by Marko Arnautovic and Xherdan Shaqiri. There are 10 goals and six assists between the two and it is not expected to change. The attack will be spearheaded by Peter Crouch.
