Predicted Premier League: 9th

In the top half now, and the Premier League is coming towards the business end. Who is beginning the climb into the top half of the table?

Team: Stoke

Manager: Mark Hughes

Before last year I was quoted on another website as saying that I thought Mark Hughes must lie on his CV, because he seems to keep getting jobs despite being very good at not improving a team at all. Not that he’s the worse manager around, just that he does nothing. However his Stoke team looked the real deal last year and I really think they could improve on that this year.

Key Player: Ryan Shawcross

For my money he is a highly talented defender and if he had not been the one to break Aaron Ramsey’s leg he would be a lot higher in people’s estimations. He is no nonsense, incredibly solid and very disciplined. If he stays solid and injury free for the season Stoke’s defence will be all the better and it would allow them to move forward with more confidence.

Best feature: Better football

Since Hughes has come in he has adopted a much better philosophy of football, and the signing of former Barcelona man Bojan highlights that. They will look to play decent football and progress themselves as things go on, a far cry from the Pulis era of football.

Worst Feature: Mark Hughes