We all know the score for the comparative fixture... What have Stoke done since that 6-1 win?
Butland, Haugaard and Given are squaring up for the starting berth with Begovic having departed. Lots of competition in this department.
Wollscheid has made his move permanent, so expect to see him and Shawcross as the established partnership at the back. Bardsley will become competitor as Johnson has signed and will most likely start against Liverpool on his debut having left this summer. Pieters will likely start. Have they improved at the back? I wouldn't say so.
Whelan remains, but Nzonzi has departed. Arguably a bigger loss than Begovic I'd say, moving to Sevilla shows his talent level. Van Ginkel has a lot of talent, so he might find his feet, expect him to be expected to step up and take the mantle.
On the flanks, Moses has been replaced by Afellay, which is a stellar signing. Arnautovic and Diouf played in the final game of last season. and may well start again.
Walters started up top. Joselu has come in and could occupy one of the front berths, he has great talent. Bojan will not play as he is still recovering from injury.
Who else is in the squad?
Muniesa, the aforementioned Bardsley, Wilson and Cameron are good defensive alternatives. Adam, Ireland and Sidwell provide good competition in the middle of the park. Odemwingie and Crouch can contribute up top, and they have been linked with a number of top attackers, Xherdan Shaqiri and Andriy Yarmolenko two who have still to move this summer. They want one big deal to complete their summer.
As things stand, they're settled and have had a few signings to boost the existing squad. Expectations will be similar, fight to be the best of the rest.
Last edited by jjmelling/Stato; 31/07/15 11:11 PM.
