It is fair to say that Stoke fans have seen their side experience a wave of inconsistency for the first half of this season.
A current mid-table position highlights the fact that Stoke have not been able to put together a run of results but most disappointingly, the elimination of the FA Cup to a hard working Wolverhampton Wanderers will be the pinnacle of disappointment for our resident Potters in the Transfer Tavern who see that as a real trophy option for the club.
Mark Hughes’ January transfer window endeavours saw him sign Lee Grant permanently from Derby, following his emergency loan move to cover for the injured Jack Butland earlier in the season.
Hughes also oversaw the arrival of former West Brom player, Saido Berahino which then allowed Bojan to complete a loan move to German side, Mainz.
With the troops galvanised for the second half of the season, our landlord believes that the high class potential in the Stoke squad should see them challenge for a position in the top half and if they can stay consistent, there is no reason for the Potters to punch above their weight in the near future.
The last time Stoke met West Brom was at the Bet 365 stadium where a last minute, Solomon Rondon goal cancelled out Joe Allan’s deflected shot meaning the teams had to share the spoils on that occasion.
Mark Hughes and his Stoke side will be looking for all three points on Saturday and here is the XI that will help him do it…..
GK: Lee Grant
The veteran goalkeeper has done a good job in deputising for Jack Butland so far this season and will continue against the Baggies.
RB: Glen Johnson
The rumours went round before January that Johnson was on Barcelona’s radar but to everyone’s surprise in the Transfer Tavern – the move never materialised.
Shock.
CB: Ryan Shawcross
The Stoke captain is a fans favourite at the Bet 365 stadium and our landlord knows Shawcross will be one of the first name on Mark Hughes’ team sheet.
CB: Bruno Martins-Indi
The Dutchman has made a strong case for his loan move from Porto to be made permanent by striking a strong partnership with club captain, Shawcross at the heart of Stoke’s defence.
LB: Erik Pieters
The Dutch left back is another consistent performer for the Potters and will continue at left back having not missed a league game all season.
CM: Glenn Whelan
The Irishman is a very honest footballer and fits in perfectly to Mark Hughes’ plans at Stoke, allowing the more creative players to do their thing and picking up the bulk of the midfield work.
CM: Charlie Adam
Adam will be looking to control the midfield against Scottish team mate, Darren Fletcher.
As tough as this will be, our landlord is expecting an even battle between the international team mates.
RW: Xherdan Shaqiri
The Swiss international really possesses Champions League quality but has frustrated many of our resident Stoke fans, due to his inability to produce it on a regular basis.
CAM: Joe Allen
The ‘Welsh Xavi’ has impressed since his summer move to Liverpool and he will be looking to score again against West Brom, following his strike in the last fixture between the two sides.
LW: Marko Arnautovic
Another player with high potential, our resident Stoke fans in the Transfer Tavern are hoping Arnautovic can produce a moment of magic they all know he is capable of.
ST: Saido Berahino
There would be no better story than for Berahino to score against his former suitors on his return to the Hawthorns.
Our landlord would not be surprised to see Mark Hughes take a punt on a riled up Berahino, over the experienced Peter Crouch and the returning Wilfried Bony to give his side the edge here.
