2016-17 fan predictions: Stoke City
By Chris Devine, Stoke City fan
Are you satisfied with your club’s transfer business this summer?
So far, so good – although I’d be much happier if we added a centre-half, with doubts over Ryan Shawcross’ ability to stay fit. Joe Allen should provide the qualities lacking in midfield since Ibrahim Afellay suffered a serious knee injury that will keep him sidelined for a while yet, and Ramadan Sobhi seems a very exciting prospect. If we’re successful in our long-running pursuit of Saido Berahino and manage to bring in a reliable defender as well, I’ll be delighted. Crucially, we’ve also hung on to our star names, most notably Marko Arnautovic.
How is your team likely to line up?
In three seasons at Stoke, Mark Hughes has rarely deviated from a 4-2-3-1 formation. However, we have experimented with three at the back in pre-season. There’s plenty of competition for places, particularly in attacking positions, so predicting a starting XI isn’t easy. I imagine our opening-day line-up will look something like this: Butland, Johnson, Shawcross, Wollscheid, Pieters; Imbula, Allen; Shaqiri, Bojan, Arnautovic; Diouf.
Have you got the right man in charge?
Absolutely. Hughes has improved us greatly since succeeding Tony Pulis in 2013.
What do you expect from Liverpool this season?
A very strong challenge for the top four. But it’s hard to see the title heading anywhere other than Manchester.
If you could have one Liverpool player in your team, who would it be?
Well we’ve only just signed Joe Allen, so I won’t be greedy.
Top four (in order)?
Manchester City
Manchester United
Tottenham
Liverpool
Relegated?
West Brom, Burnley, Hull City
Who will be the surprise package?
Given that I can’t decide, I suppose I’ll have to say Stoke!
What is your one wish for the season?
A fully-fit Bojan returning to the form he showed prior to his long injury lay-off.