The Potters’ squad is littered with experience but the team’s performances were below-par last season.
Following ten consecutive campaigns in the Premier League, Stoke struggled to adapt to life back in the Championship and this speaks volumes about the strength of the competition in the second-tier.
Stoke must improve dramatically if they are to make a return to the top-flight any time soon.
Last season
Upon their return to the Championship, Stoke had a season to forget as they ended up in 16th place.
The club recorded a record 22 league draws while only registering back-to-back victories on one occasion throughout the 2018/19 campaign.
Following a string of poor results, manager Gary Rowett was sacked in January with Nathan Jones selected as his replacement.
The club managed just three wins under their new boss in the second half of the season and must improve to compete in the upcoming campaign.
Next season
Stoke have a very strong squad that is more than capable of challenging for promotion this season.
Many of the club’s players played for Stoke in the Premier League and it’s difficult to imagine them performing so poorly again this term.
England international Jack Butland is a top-class goalkeeper while Ryan Shawcross, Bojan Krkic and Joe Allen all possess vast top-flight experience.
One area the team must improve in is attack. Stoked netted just 45 times last season, with only relegated Ipswich Town and Bolton Wanderers scoring fewer goals.
There are a few players capable of scoring consistently for the side this season but they must be provided with suitable service from the team’s more creative players.
If Jones can get his side scoring goals while also remaining tight in defence, Stoke have all the ingredients for a promotion push.
Players in
Tommy Smith – €4.45m from Huddersfield Town
Liam Lindsay – €2.25m from Barnsley
Lee Gregory – Free from Millwall
Adam Davies – Free from Barnsley
Nick Powell – Free from Wigan Athletic
Stephen Ward – Free from Burnley
Jordan Cousins – Free from Queens Park Rangers
Players out
Erik Pieters – €1.10m to Burnley
Charlie Adam – Free to Reading
Geoff Cameron – Free to Queens Park Rangers
Harry Souttar – Loan to Fleetwood Town
Josh Tymon – Loan to Famalicao
Jakob Haugaard – Released
Darren Fletcher – Released
Predicted league finish
The predicted league finish for Stoke City is 11th. The team may struggle again this season and a mid-table finish is the most likely outcome.
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