Stoke City

A disappointing 2022/23 season for Stoke saw them finish 16th, nine points clear of the relegation zone and 16 points adrift of the playoff places. There were some positive moments but they were all too fleeting and the season ended on a downer after a winless run of seven games (two draws, five defeats). Alex Neil has been kept on as manager. In his first pre-season as Stoke boss he has overseen a rebuild of the squad. The Potters had plenty of loan players last season and most have returned to their parent clubs. Hoever is back after impressing last season while another consistent performer Pearson has made the permanent switch. Stoke were desperately missing options and creativity in attack last season, wingers Chiquinho and Vidigal have the potential to give them that while Johnson is known to pop up with a goal or two from midfield. Travers, Stevens and Rose are solid performers at this level. More incomings are expected. The new signings have brought a feelgood factor and an expectation that after a few underwhelming seasons, Stoke can at least challenge for the playoffs. They certainly have the makings of a squad that should perform well at this level. One thing they need to improve from last season is their home form. Once a fortress, the Bet365 Stadium was far from that in 2022/23 with Stoke recording only six home league wins all season.