Manager: Mark Hughes.
Last season: 9th
Major signings: Phil Bardsley (free, Sunderland), Steve Sidwell (free, Fulham), Mame Biran Diouf (free, Hannover 96), Bojan (£3m, Barcelona).
Players Out: Jermaine Pennant (released), Juan Agudelo (contract cancelled), Michael Kightly (undisclosed, Burnley), Lucas Dawson (released), Daniel Bachmann (Wrexham, loan).
Expectations: When researching this piece we were a little surprised that Stoke actually finished 9th in the Premier League last season. The run of form they put together at the tail end of the campaign saw them surge up the table and they'll be hoping they can bring that momentum into the new season.
The style of play under Tony Pulis was pretty agricultural for the want of a better word but Mark Hughes has slowly changed the mentality and philosophy of the club and they played some very attractive football at times last season. The signing of Bojan from Barcelona is a clear indication that Hughes wants more of the same this campaign.
If you look at the Stoke squad on paper, they are damn impressive. The goalkeeping options of Asmir Begovic, Jack Butland and Thomas Sorenson is probably only bettered by Chelsea duo Tibhaut Courtois and Peter Cech.
The fitness of Ryan Shawcross and Robert Huth is vital for the Potters because when those two play together, Stoke are usually pretty mean at the back. The full back options are also strong with Marc Wilson, Phil Bardsley, Erik Peters and Geoff Cameron all vying for two positions.
The balance of their midfield is very impressive - the dynamism of Steven N'Zonzi and the steadiness of Glenn Whelan is nicely balanced with the creativity of Stephen Ireland and Charlie Adam. Their wide options are less varied but they do pose a threat with the unpredictable Marko Arnautovic while Jon Walters will put in a shift and score a few penalties along the way. The real problem for the Potters is up-front because they'll need to get more goals from the men leading their line.
You look at the striking department at the club now and between Bojan, Peter Odemwingie, Peter Crouch (if he stays), Cameron Jerome (if he stays) and Mame Biram Diouf, they should hit the net on a more consistent basis this season.
It's the manager's second season in charge and the players seem to be buying into exactly what Hughes wants from them. There's an optimism around the club at the moment and the fixture list sees them play only one of the top six teams in their opening 10 games, so they'll be hoping to get off to a flying start.
Irish Angle: Stoke have one of the biggest Irish contingents in their squad with Glenn Whelan, Stephen Ireland, Marc Wilson and Jon Walters on their books and all four players will play a big role in the new campaign.
Ireland seemed to be rejuvenated at Stoke last season and he's slowly finding the form he produced with Manchester City all those years ago. It's a big year for Marc Wilson who needs to make one position his own, he's played at full back, centre back and as a defensive midfielder but at 26, he need to settle down.
Many people will see Walters and Whelan as solid and unspectacular but they are very reliable and Hughes knows if he calls upon those guys, he'll get 100%.
If they were a fictional character... Shallow Hal - for a long time they seemed ugly and unattractive to people looking in from the outside but Stoke fans could always see the real beauty. Now with Hughes on board, the beauty is shining through to everyone.
Where will they end up? We are feeling very positive about Stoke's season. A top half finish looks likely for the Potters and we think they'll do it in a lot easier fashion than last year.
