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