Who ' s in and who ' s out?
Season expectations?
What ' s their reality?
Fixtures to look out for
Key Man: Bojan
Young Star: Ollie Shenton Marmite Man: Charlie Adam In 3 Words: Transformed, multicultural, fierce Odds( Bet356): Title: 500 / 1 Relegation: 10 / 1 Prediction: 11th
Stoke
Last Season Premier League: 9th FA Cup: Fourth Round League Cup: Semi-Finals Top Scorer( all): Marko Arnautovic( 12)
Another 9th place finish, the same as in
2014 / 15, was another sign that Stoke are rapidly becoming a Premier League force. From being recognised as the ugly side of the league, littered with long balls, javelin-like throw ins and a tendency to rough up the opposition, they have been transformed under the studious guidance of Mark Hughes. The Welshman has delivered a brand of football to the newly named
Bet365 Stadium which has boosted the identity of the club, allowing players of a more technical nature to come knocking. In Xherdan Shaqiri and Marko Arnautovic, Stoke possess two unpredictable and fiery tricksters who can be world beaters on their day. More consistent form from the duo will not only boost their own ever-growing reputations, but perhaps leap the Potters to even loftier heights.
Who ' s in and who ' s out?
Joe Allen is the big name coming in after his stellar Euro 2016 campaign. He has signed from Liverpool for £ 13 joining a host of ex Reds who have made the switch to the Brittania. Only one more has arrived so far, with 19- year-old Egyptian winger Ramadan Sobhi joining from Al Ahly. Peter Odemwingie and Steve Sidwell have been let go, but the biggest coup is Arnautovic signing a new four-year contract.
Season expectations?
Sky ' s the limit. A newly named stadium, increased to 30,000 capacity, plus a talented squad capable of a mounting a Europa League challenge, mean it ' s an exciting time to be a Potters fan.
What ' s their reality?
Can they go much further than 9th is the worry. Fears that Stoke may have peaked to their full potential could be recognised this time around. Perhaps a period of lingering in mid-table limbo is ahead after a spell of over-achievement. Arnautovic may have signed a new deal, but we wonder if Stoke are waiting for a big club to pay a lump.
Fixtures to look out for
December looks bleak on paper. Arsenal, Southampton, Leicester, Liverpool and Chelsea to round off
2016. Collecting points over October and November is critical if they are to break away from a potential slug at the bottom of Christmas.
Key Man: Bojan
Young Star: Ollie Shenton Marmite Man: Charlie Adam In 3 Words: Transformed, multicultural, fierce Odds( Bet356): Title: 500 / 1 Relegation: 10 / 1 Prediction: 11th