Stoke City have somewhat recovered after a shocking start to their season and despite their tryst with the relegation zone, it was always clear that they were eventually going to move up the table!
Although they are in the 11th spot and are well within the reach of finishing in the Top 10, this season was supposed to be different. Mark Hughes has been slowly building his own team for quite a while now and has been gradually imparting his philosophy into the team which was stereotyped as a club that plays a certain brand of slightly regressive football. While they did enjoy the mid-table comforts, the manner of the achievements was not the most satisfying.
And this was the season where Hughes’ philosophy was expected to take full flight and the fans had high hopes for the season. But unfortunately, the horrid start and the players failing to reach the desired levels saw all the intricate approach play take a back seat. The former Barcelona player will now look to stabilise their position in and around the Top 10 spot and will look to take things from there.
There has been a major addition to the squad and the Potters will hope that the signing of Saido Berahino will see things change up front and the fluidity in their play makes a belated comeback.
PREDICTED STOKE CITY XI WITH THEIR NEW SIGNING (4-2-3-1)
DEFENCE
Lee Grant is likely to continue in goal having impressed just enough to have a run in the team and will be a busy customer for the rest of the season.
A back four is looking likely which will see Johnson and Pieters line up as conventional fullbacks.
Ryan Shawcross will be in central defence with Bruno Martins Indi as his partner. Stoke haven’t covered themselves in glory at the back lately and need to cut down on individual errors more than anything else, especially against better teams.
MIDFIELD
The double pivot has seen a fair amount of change but Imbula started off well and will be hoping for another chance to impress the manager. He can be paired with either Adam or Whelan in the double pivot. The midfield has been an area of concern for them and Hughes might look to freshen things up in the coming weeks. Joe Allen has impressed in the No.10 and will be stationed there.
ATTACK
On the left-wing, Arnautovic is likely to line-up with Shaqiri on the right when he returns from injury. These two will be crucial and have to rediscover their form. Up front, it is likely to be Saido Berahino who will be given a run of games.
