Premier League 2012/13 Season Predictions - 20th - 11th

13. Stoke

Love them or hate them Stoke are preparing for their fifth season in the big time. Playing the long ball and being strong in the tackle may give Arsene Wenger nightmares but it has proven to be effective. Finishing 14th last season was their lowest position under Tony Pulis. You can chalk that up to playing in the Europa League or you can say that Stoke have reached their plateau either way they are not in any danger of being relegated and at home they are still more than capable of giving the big teams fits. Not a lot of transfer activity compared to last season shows the financial times we live in. Signing Michael Kightly may finally give Pulis the perfect right sided player to compliment Etherington on the left. In Jonathan Walters and Peter Crouch they have two big, strong strikers who are perfect for the Stoke blueprint and if the later can find a few more goal of the season candidates then Stoke fans will have yet another season in the Premiership to celebrate. First Three Games: Reading (A), Arsenal (H), Wigan (A)