Premier League Preview: Stoke

After a strong start to last season, Stoke set themselves a New Years Resolution target of making winning matches difficult. 2013 has been a tough year and with Tony Pulis departing after seven years to be replaced by Mark Hughes, it is going to be a very tough season for them.

After spending plenty last year it has been a quiet summer for Stoke, signing just two defenders. Signing Marc Muniesa from Barcelona and Erik Pieters from PSV, Hughes is clearly looking to build from the back and holding onto Asmir Begovic is certainly a fine piece of business. Getting rid of plenty of fringe players has also reduced the wage bill but plenty more quality is needed across the park if Stoke are going to avoid the relegation zone.

I see trouble ahead for Stoke this season. Whilst most teams around them have strengthened in depth, Stoke have not, and looked extremely poor towards the back end of last season. A largely uninspiring signing of manager Mark Hughes did nothing to appease fans concerns and I honestly see nothing but relegation for Stoke. They lack any sort of creative spark in the team and I'm fairly sure a lot of neutral supporters will have few issues in seeing them crash out of the Championship.

Key Man: Asmir Begovic - If Stoke are to remain in Premier League this year then they need to keep hold of their star goalkeeper. Winning Stoke's player of the season last year and playing in every Premier League game, Begovic was instrumental in Stoke staying clear of the relegation zone.

One to Watch: Charlie Adam - A few seasons ago Adam was one of the best players in the Premier League for Blackpool. However, last season he was fairly average for Stoke. If Adam can re-find his form from his Blackpool days then he could be the playmaker that Stoke need.

Best Summer Signing: Marc Muniesa - Yet another product of the Barcelona Academy, Muniesa is a talented defender. Sadly he missed most of last season with an injury despite being on the fringes of the first team. After the injury he was deemed surplus to requirements and it will be interesting to see how he gets on after a season out of action.

Last Season: 13th

Pre-Season Prediction: 20th - Bye, bye Stoke. With Hughes at the realm Stoke are destined for the drop.