Premier League Preview

Stoke

Manager: Mark Hughes
Captain: Ryan Shawcross
13/14 position: 9th
Top League Goalscorer: Peter Crouch 9

Stoke, known under the stewardship of Tony Pulis as a team that played long ball no-nonsense stuff, had what many would deem as a renaissance last season under Mark Hughes. After his terrible spell at QPR, mainly labelled Stoke as a boring team that would finally drop down into the abyss. But Hughes, to his credit, has been a hit so far at the Britannia.

Yes, the likes of Jonathan Walters and Peter Crouch were still up top, but this Stoke side is different. The likes of Marko Arnautovic had a good debut campaign in the Premier League, and no longer is hoof-ball the only plan.

In a way, Stoke were Everton on a smaller scale. And that stylistic change has so far been popular amongst Potters fans, who grew weary of Pulis’ safe football, and Stoke know now that they can longer use the “wet and windy” conditions as their only weapon, as teams know how to plan against it.

The signing of Bojan shows that Stoke know that, and the fact they’ve paid £3m for a 23 year old once heralded as the new Lionel Messi could be signing of the season if Hughes’ small risk gamble pays off. Top ten. 9th

FANS OPINION: Mully @MullySCFC

What is your idea of a good season for your club? Another comfortable one really, that’s all we hope for and expect. Last season was great and I think we have a chance of repeating it and possibly even going forward from it. When Pulis left we were many peoples favourite’s to go last season but Hughes has brought that something new into the team. Towards the end of last season we were playing some scintillating stuff and there was confidence flowing throughout the team.

Worst case scenario?
Survival in the last few weeks I guess, even last season with the league so tight we were always looking over our shoulders like most teams so we were happy to put together some very good form to pull ourselves away and to a records points total. I don’t expect the league to be as tight this year so I think many would see it as a step backwards were we to just survive.

Best player?
Based on his form towards the end of last season, Arnautovic. But overall, Begovic is hands and heals above any keeper in the league, which is some statement. The Bosnian won us points single handedly at the start of the season and even chipped in with a goal against your boys! We’ve been hammered in some games and he’s kept us in them.

Player you’d happily drive to his next club?
Controversial one, but, Crouch. He’s been a great signing for our club, it was a step up and was a real big name signing for our clubs profile but he’s now past it. We have better options and the wages would definitely come in handy.

Fans hero?
Arnie (Arnautovic) is adored, he’s exciting and has a superb relationship with the fans. It’s as if he needs to be loved to play well and we certainly show him that love. The signs last season were incredible. So much talent waiting to be displayed.

If you could pick, who would you want your team to do the double over this year?
Probably Arsenal, it’s clear to see there’s not much love between our clubs but to many Stoke fans it’s much deeper than Arsene’s rugby team comments. There’s history stretching back to the 70's which makes our rivalry more deep than the recent spats that many Arsenal fans probably won’t remember. It would be lovely to finally get a result at the Emirates in front of the plastics.

League winners?
I said this last year too. Chelsea. They had on paper what looks like a league winning side last year but I think the previous season caught up with them and they struggled a bit. This season they have added some great players to an already superb squad. Man City will of course run them close again and I don’t think Man United are ready again just yet.

Relegated?
I think Burnley are already preparing for the drop, sadly. Dyche’s comments seem resigned already but their home form was key last time and they will give anyone a game at Turf Moor. Aside from that I can see Aston Villa struggling again as well as Leicester. I just don’t think either sides have strengthened enough.

Surprise package?
Despite the exodus at Southampton I still think they will do well. Koeman is a good manager and you’re making some shrewd signings to replace the unloyal. Should Rodriguez come back and score goals again I think they’ll do fine, much better than most are predicting. It’s difficult to see anyone else overachieving really.

Who will win the golden boot?
It’s wide open now Suarez has left our shores, magnificent player with horrible habits. I think Sturridge will suffer without him so that leads me to look elsewhere. Costa could well be at his goalscoring best in a league where I think his strengths can prosper. Agüero will score goals like always but whether he gets a full season without the injuries is a worry. I’ll say Costa.