After a nightmarish season last term where Stoke City’s survival was solely credited to the favourable results of the mid-table and lower sides around them, Mark Hughes has come back with a vengeance this time and his intent could be seen through the business in the transfer window.
The Potters have one of the more balanced sides in the league this time and should undoubtedly be a contender for the Europa League slots.
Defence
The position under the bar will obviously be taken by Jack Butland. Following his marvellous breakthrough to the limelight back in the 2015-16 season, the 24-year-old goalkeeper has established himself as the first choice for the Potters. Many have been of the opinion that Stoke’s debacle last season was largely due to his absence and he has proven his mettle with some terrific display against Everton and Arsenal denying them some genuine chances.
Having three new arrivals at the centre half position, Mark Hughes definitely has one of the best defences in the league at the moment. His decision to go with a back three is understandable as it helps them to play to their strengths.
The back-three is expected to be Bruno Martins Indi, Kurt Zouma and Kevin Wimmer, although Ryan Shawcross is expected to give a tough competition. Hughes still retains a lot of experience in Geoff Cameron as a bench player, who can come from the bench as and when needed.
Midfield
The arrival of Darren Fletcher from West Bromwich Albion was a surprising deal made by Stoke and one of the cleverer deals of the season. The likes of Charlie Adam and Glenn Whelan had totally squandered it last season and Hughes did brilliantly to scrap it off almost instantly.
In the likes of Joe Allen and Darren Fletcher, the Potters have one of the most balanced midfield duos in the league, who can create problems for any opponents. Charlie Adam has been pushed back to the bench but he can be instrumental nonetheless with his perfectly measured passes from the deep midfield.
The wing backs are expected to be Eric Pieters and Mame Diouf, but getting in young Josh Tymon from relegated side Hull City gives Hughes a good advantage of speed and work rate from the left defensive flank. Having a veteran like Glenn Johnson on the bench only speaks about the depth in their squad.
Having Diouf in the right wing-back role is a big gamble whose effect is bound to wither sooner or later with Johnson taking his place.
Attack
The two playmakers would definitely be Xherdan Shaqiri and Jese Rodriguez, and in terms of technical and dribbling abilities, the duo is easily one of the most dangerous forwards in the league. The Spaniard has come on loan to the bet365 Stadium from Ligue1 giants Paris Saint-Germain to regain back his magical touch, which had led many to tout him as Real Madrid’s next big thing about two seasons ago.
