Outside90’s Tom Batten predicts how The Potters will fare in the 2015-16 edition of the English Premier League.
Summer Transfers
Most fans would say that this transfer window has been a success for Stoke City. The first three players to go were club legends Andy Wilkinson and Thomas Sorensen, as well as Wilson Palacios whose form declined after his younger brother was murdered. Young goalkeeper Jakob Haugaard was brought in from Denmark and former Real Madrid striker Joselu was also signed for £5.8 million. Irish goalkeeper Shay Given was poached from Aston Villa on a free transfer to prepare for Begovic’s impending departure. As expected, Begovic did in fact depart to Chelsea and to the tune of £8 million. Nzonzi was sold to Sevilla for £7 million and Marco van Ginkel was signed to a season long loan deal on the same day. Experienced English international Glen Johnson was signed on a free transfer from Liverpool and injury plagued Ibrahim Afellay was also taken from Barcelona just a week ago.
Last Season
The previous season was a success for Stoke City after winning the most games that they have ever won in a season. Despite this, they have still finished 9th two seasons in a row (2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons). Early in the season Stoke won 1-0 at the Emirates against Manchester City, which was one of the best games of the season for the Potters fans. A month after the season launch it looked as though the side were in danger of being relegated, but Stoke City turned their season around after a 3-2 win against Arsenal. After that win, they only lost three in thirteen games. In spite of a great mid-season, Stoke lost their next three games. However, they turned it around with a three goal victory over Tottenham and a 6-1 thumping of Liverpool.
The Manager
Mark Hughes has reshaped and redeveloped Stoke City since his arrival in 2013. Previously, Stoke City’s tactics were very ‘aerially based’ but the manager has brought in technically gifted signings. The Potters now play a similar style to the team Hughes used to play for himself in Barcelona. There is no pressure on him to succeed as the club is in its best years yet. However, the fans will still be hungry for wins and expect improvement, especially with all the money the club has been spending lately. Fans should expect to see Mark Hughes implement a one striker formation with wide players, most likely a 4-3-3.
Strengths
One of the biggest positives of Stoke City is their ability to cross and the fact that they will always have a player in the middle that can score headers. Even though they won’t be doing it as much this season it can still be administered as a last minute tactic to win games. Another strength of their squad this season is their depth. Stoke City have at least two or three players who can play in each position comfortably after stocking up during the summer transfer window. This leaves the club prepared in case any injuries occur, like we saw with Bojan last season.
Weaknesses
One big weakness of Stoke City is the lack of a game-changing star. The Potters may have an all-round consistent team but they may struggle without an amazing player. Examples of players like this are Benteke (formerly) for Aston Villa and Schneiderlin (formerly) for Southampton. While they may not be stars of the Premier League they were the best players for their own club. The biggest game-changers in Stoke City’s team are Marko Arnautovic or Mame Biram Diouf. The former had an average season with the Potters and the latter could be phased out to the wing by Mark Hughes after the recent change in tactics and signing of Joselu. This could mean fewer goals for the Senegalian.
Key Player
The key player is young goalkeeper Jack Butland. After having the #1 goalkeeping role thrust upon him, Butland now has immense pressure for him to succeed at a young age. Of course, manager Mark Hughes will try to downplay this pressure as much as he can. The English youth international played in the Premier League last season and looked lively. He kept clean sheets against Tottenham and Burnley but conceded twice against Swansea. To have a great season Stoke City need Butland to be fit and firing. After all, he is going to be the last man of the defence.
Best XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Jack Butland; Glen Johnson, Phillipp Wollscheid, Ryan Shawcross, Erik Pieters; Glenn Whelan, Marco van Ginkel, Stephen Ireland; Marco Arnautovic, Mame Biran Diouf, Bojan.
Prediction
Table Position: 8th
Mark Hughes’ new tactics need to work well for Stoke City to have a respectable season. He has implemented them since he has been at the club but the new signings need to get comfortable with them in Premier League matches. Players like Marco Arnautovic and Jack Butland will need to stand up and become great players next season. Bojan’s return to the pitch will be much anticipated but he will also need to have a good season as he is one of the best at the Britannia. Last season Stoke City won most games against the hard teams and lost most games against the easy teams. If they can fix this then they can be a force in the next season.
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