Premier League Preview: Stoke City

Muscle Power

Potters, as they are fondly known, came to the Premier League a few seasons ago and have been very impressive so far. Under the management of Tony Pulis, the team play a very different type of game, comprising of strength and more strength. All players are strong, from Kenwyne Jones to Abdoula Diagne-Faye, from Ricardo Fuller to Roberth Huth. The team has been doing well after its promotion and has spent a lot of money, to stay in the Premier League, by buying quality players such as Kenwyne Jones, Tuncay Sanli (although he left), etc. Tony Pulis has been an exceptional manager, with his trademark track suit and cap, and has been an important figure in Stoke's survival in the Mighty League. With an impressive home record throughout and big wins against good teams, the team has managed to stay in the top flight of football. The departure of Tuncay Sanli could pose a problem for the team as he was very important to the team. However, the likes of Matthew Etherington, Jermaine Pennant, Dean Whitehead and Kenwyne Joneswill still play an important part in the team's ambitions of being a  top team in the Premier League. Ryan Shawcross and Roberth Huth are strong defenders who can handle the attacking might of any big team be it Chelsea, Manchester United or Liverpool. Potters, over the years have developed a strong and physical form of football that is a joy to watch. Wishing them good luck as they will be playing in the Europa League this season.


Season 2010-11: The team made many changes to its squad and many new players such as Kenwyne Jones, Jon Walters, Jermaine Pennant, etc. However, the team did not start on the right foot and lost the first 3 games of the season. Things turned and Stoke City made many changes to its playing 11 and delivered thereafter. Kenwyne Jones scored many goals along with Jon Walters and Dean Whitehead. Home record was impeccable with 10 wins and 4 draws. A bad away record shattered their dreams of coming in the top half of the table. As things played out, they were runners up in the FA Cup and as Manchester City (FA Cup winners) had already qualified for the Champions League, the Europa League spot went to the Red and Whites. All was well and the team will be happy after securing a spot in a European Cup. Jon Walters, Kenwyne Jones along with Ryan Shawcross were the men who were responsible for such a wonderful run in the FA Cup.

Transfers:
In: Jonathan Woodgate (Tottenham Hotspur, Free), Matthew Upson (West Ham United, Free)
Out: Abdoulaye Faye (West Ham United, Free), Ibrahima Sonko (Released), Eidue Gudjohnsen (AEK Athens, Free), Carl Dickinson (Watford, Undisclosed)

Verdict: With new signings Jonathan Woodgate and Matthew Upson, both with Premier League experience, the team look good. Impressive performances in the qualifying rounds of Europa League and the friendlies, also put Stoke as a serious contender for a top half finish. Kenwyne Jones and Jon Walters, should be their goal scorers, both of them bagging 12 goals each last season. Departure of Diagne-Faye will not be an issue for the team due to the new signings. With plenty of matches in the upcoming season, the teams performance will lie in their ability to change the playing 11 and managing all its players without causing any fatigue or injuries. The future seems bright for the team from the countryside.

Season 2010-11: 13th
Football Finesse Predictions: 11th, 12th.
Men To Watch: Kenwyne Jones, Jon Walters, Ryan Shawcross, Dean Whitehead, Matthew Etherington