Stoke City

Stoke endured another inconsistent 2021-22 campaign to disappointingly finish 14th - 13 points off the playoff places. City have lost Joe Allen in a huge blow in the middle of the pitch, whilst several older players have been moved on in a further cutting of the wage bill. Dwight Gayle has been brought in to score the goals required to lift Stoke back towards the playoffs and, if the striker stays fit, he could turn out to be the signing of the transfer window. Flint, Laurent and Kilkenny are also useful additions in a largely positive transfer window for the Potters, although pre-season results have been disappointing so far. With the likes of Nick Powell and Gayle, Stoke could form one of the most feared strike forces in the division, particularly if Jacob Brown enjoys another productive campaign up front as well. The spine of the team is also looking solid through the centre of the pitch, but O'Neill certainly lacks flair and width in his squad as things stand. As a result, the Potters may struggle to adapt in certain games this season, particularly against opponents defending deep and narrow but, should they be able to add a couple of wingers in the remaining weeks of the transfer window, they look to be in for a positive year.