16th. Stoke
A team who might be involved in a relegation battle this season is Stoke. How Stoke fare next season will be very interesting. Tony Pulis established them as a Premier League club but last season it all seemed to fizzle out. And now Mark Hughes takes over after a horrid time at Queens Park Rangers. One of the reasons Pulis and Stoke parted company was Stokes desire to play an easier on the eye style of play. Hughes seems to want to implement that change of style going by the
signing of former Barcelona defender Marc Muniesa. Although, I thought Hughes would have brought a few more of his own players in by now but it hasnt materialised for whatever reason. The fear for Stoke is that they may get lost in the transition. Its easier for teams like Liverpool and Arsenal to go through transitional seasons but it is a lot more risky for Stoke, who will be near the bottom of the league. Changing a long-term style which has been so effective for so long during a season is very risky which is why Stoke could end up in trouble. I dont think theyll go down but I wouldnt be shocked if they do. I think Mark Hughes is actually a good manager, people forget that. He did a great job at Blackburn, Fulham and Wales where he had no or little money to spend. I think Stoke will be fine but theyre certainly one to keep an eye on. Theyre another team who will need to introduce more goals into their team if they want to survive. If Hughes doesnt get a striker in before September Stoke will struggle. Key player: Jonathan Walters. Transfers in so far:
Marc Muniesa from Barcelona on a free transfer.
Erik Pieters from PSV Eindhoven for £3 million.
Juan Agudelo from New England Revolution on a pre-contract agreement. Possible team to face Liverpool in their first fixture: GK: Begovic RB: Marc Wilson CB: Robert Huth CB: Ryan Shawcross LB: Eric Pieters RM: Michael Kightly CM: NZonzi CM: Glenn Whelan LM: Matthew Etherington AM: Jonathan Walters ST: Kenwyne Jones