Stoke City

Tony Pulis has turned Stoke City into a formidable Premier League side, whose fans are among the fiercest, and loudest, England's top tier has to offer. Often criticised for what people believe to be a bullish mentality, the side now contains some flair and is starting to shed the long ball tag that was associated with them for so long. They will be hoping to better last seasons 13th place finish this time round.

Goalkeeper

Asmir Begovic is widely expected to cement the number one spot this season, casting a shadow over Thomas Sorenson's future at The Potters. Having two good quality keepers though is by no means a bad thing, and during their time at the top table of English football this has never been a worry.

Defence

Big imposing centre half's are the order of the day, with Captain Ryan Shawcross and Robert Huth forming a good partnership over the years. The signing of Jonathan Woodgate is a risk, but if they can keep him fit, a problem for many of his past clubs, then he could prove to be one of the best captures of the window.

Midfield


Their is quite a creative edge in this side now, bucking the trend of a few years back. Matthew Etherington is arguably the main man in this side, but Jermaine Pennant has also settled down and produced some good displays after a disappointing few years. There is quite a lot of strength in the middle of the park, so this side seems quite well stocked.

Forwards

A new front man seems to on Pulis's agenda, but just who that person is remains a mystery. The long chase for Carlton Cole has gone a bit awry, but it wouldn't be a surprise if by the end of the window his is plying his trade at The Brittania. If a new man does arrive though, there will have to be a clear out of some of the deadwood.

Manager

Despite the belief that Stoke area a one dimensional side, Pulis has got them playing some good football. He has firmly transformed them into a Premiership side, and it doesn't look like they will be leaving the top table any time soon.

Areas to Strengthen

A new striker could be on the cards, with no real 20+ goal front man on the books. Elsewhere this side looks all set for another mid tabled finish, maybe a bit of strength in depth could be added to ensure progression on last term.

Expectations

Mid table shouldn't be too far out of reach for this side, although any kind of improvement on last season will please everyone involved with this club. The Brittania is not an easy place to go and win, and the Stoke faithful will no doubt be the loudest once more as they roar their team up the table.

Odds

2000/1 (Sky Bet)

Players in

Jonathan Woodgate free (Tottenham) Matthew Upson free (West Ham United) Cameron Jerome £4m (Birmingham City) Peter Crouch £10m (Tottenham Hotspur) Wilson Palacios £8m (Tottenham Hotspur)

Players out

Carl Dickinson £250,000 (Watford)Abdoulaye Faye free (West Ham United) Eidur Gudjohnsen free (AEK Athens) Ibrahima Sonko free (Ipswich Town) Andrew Davies loan (Crystal Palace)  Zack Foster, Jack Harrison, Alexander Hedley, Cameron Mitchell, David Parton, Laton Wint (all released)