Stoke City. Last Season’s Finish: 13th. Expectations: Mid-Table. Predicted Finish: 17th.
Stoke are at real risk of relegation this summer, I feel they have failed to bring in the necessary quality to keep them safe this season. Losing manager Tony Pulis has been understated in my opinion, deciding now was the time to take a break from management, his leadership and organisational skills will be a key loss. I think we could see a similar fall from grace for Stoke that Charlton endured when Alan Curbishley left the club. Mark Hughes has come in and hasn’t really been active in the transfer window, but bringing in Erik Pieters from PSV will improve the questionable left back position at the club, apart from his arrival they have been dormant.
They have lost a number of squad players this summer who played key roles in the side, the likes of Dean Whitehead and Rory Delap have left the club with no replacements brought in. They have a thinning squad lacking real quality in any position; I think it will be a tough season.
Key Player: Charlie Adam needs to run the midfield and spread the ball around and really instigate their play going forward. His set pieces need to be spot on for the likes of Peter Crouch and Robert Huth to capitalise from; I don’t see Stoke threatening from open play much this season.