Ahead of the new Premier League season, Sky Sports examines Stoke City's strengths and weaknesses as well as giving you the chance to select your preferred Potters XI...
Thursday 14 August 2014 10:46, UK
Can Stoke City build on their encouraging efforts from last season? Here's the lowdown on what's new at the Britannia Stadium.
Overview
The fears that life after Tony Pulis would be difficult were banished in emphatic style thanks to a strong first season under Mark Hughes last time out. Indeed, in coming ninth, Stoke achieved their highest league finish in almost 40 years and there is belief that the Potters can build on that in 2014/15. Having kept key players and added further quality, these are exciting times for Stoke and they can justifiably be regarded as the best team in the Midlands right now.
What’s new?
Hughes has added familiar faces in Phil Bardsley and Steve Sidwell, so Stoke should continue to retain a steely side. However, the manager is also continuing to tweak the style and for the second season in a row Hughes has looked to former club Barcelona to take talent. The signing of Bojan should see the Spain international become a fan favourite, while fellow new signing Mame Biriam Diouf has the potential to solve Stoke’s striker issues.
Key man
Bojan might be seen as a sprinkling of quality rather than the heart or engine of this Stoke team but there’s no doubt he’ll be the player that fans will be investing their hopes in this season. Having made over 100 appearances for Barcelona as well as playing for Roma, Milan and Ajax, Bojan’s pedigree is beyond doubt and while he may have lost his way a little, at 23 there is time to fulfil his vast promise. If Hughes can integrate him, Bojan could be the coup of the summer.
Potential problems
It’s an alarming thought when things are going so well but could this be as good as it gets? Hughes walked away from Fulham after finishing eighth in 2011 and finds himself in a similar situation at Stoke where it is tough to believe the club can push on further – especially when Manchester United were the club just two place above the Potters last season. Aside from overhauling Southampton, there is a sense in which Stoke can either meet expectations or fail.
Sky Bet Title odds – 2500/1
Opta stats
Jamie’s verdict
A lot of Stoke fans were reluctant to see Mark Hughes come to the club but he did a great job last season. He couldn’t change things over night; Stoke have been very successful as a long ball team – let’s cut to the chase, that’s how they played - but with players like Bojan coming in from Barcelona they will be more easy on the eye and I think they’ll have a good season. Last year I thought they could have been in the bottom five but this year I expect them to be pushing top eight. That’s credit to Hughes and the players he’s brought in.