Stoke City - Ryan Shawcross
For the first time since Stoke City have been a member of the Premier League in 2008, last season was the first time that they were in serious danger of being relegated. That is a credit to a club that seemed to become established in the league from the first game they played, and their physical style has drawn both acclaim and criticism from neutrals, but has proven effective. Now though they need to find some consistency in front of goal as a priority to go alongside their intimidating defence. Furthermore, this will be their first season in the Premier League with Tony Pulis at the helm, and though he will always have a place in the hearts of Potters fans for his accomplishments, they must get behind Mark Hughes as their next boss to ensure survival this year. Hughes is a man with a point to prove after his disastrous stint in charge of QPR which basically confirmed the club's relegation within the first few months of the season. It is important to remember that Hughes had relatively successful spells in charge of Blackburn, Manchester City and Fulham, so it is not all doom and gloom for the fans that have quickly lambasted his arrival. However, what does ring alarm bells is their failure so far to significantly add to the squad this year, with their only significant addition of Erik Pieters in defence, an area of their squad they do not really need to improve much. If they are to be sure of another season of mid-table security and a potential run in either of the cup competitions, Stoke will need to improve their options up front. Having said that, if their attacking forces remain somewhat limited, then the performances of Ryan Shawcross will be incredibly important in preventing goals spilling into their own goals. Shawcross has grown into an excellent defender since his move from Manchester United, and his potential has translated to the point that he now leads out the side and ensures that the defence is as rock solid as it ever has been. His centre-back partnership with Robert Huth is the best outside of the top four teams, and many have suggested that he will soon be performing for the best teams and playing for England as well. There can be no doubt that his commitment, work-rate and hard tackling has made him a favourite at the club and one of the most important players at the club. Stoke City will likely be safe this season, having learnt from mistakes made in the last year, and if they do sign some new strikers they will be assured of survival. And whether they have more goals in them or not, one certainty is that their rigid defence lead by Shawcross will not give away any easy chances to the opposition strike forces.
Where will they finish? - 15th